“So, can I ask, has it ever occurred to you that a lot of the shit dad told you not to forgive me for wasn’t even my fault?”

“Um, I have no idea what you’re talking about. I haven’t talked to the general since Johnathan was born, and even then it’s been just small talk.”

“No! When we were kids, dad said not to forgive me for anything.”

“And you think I’d hold a grudge for every little thing I can’t even remember?”

“Yes!”

“Ripp? Are you feeling okay? Johnny said you had a fever last night but I can barely understand what you’re on about. Maybe you’re getting worse?”

“I had my throat gutted! How do you think I feel? And now you’re pretending you just conveniently forgot everything dad told you about me!”

“I really cannot remember, I swear. It’s not like I said it never happened.”

“You don’t have to have said anything. You’ve shown enough.”

“Ripp, I wanna ask you: do you really think I’d visit you just to fight like this. I don’t think the general would even want me here, let alone let me talk to you. Everyone’s been worried about you, Ripp.”

“I’m… I’m sorry, Tank. I never really thought about that.”