Emet-Selch gives him a look of quiet contemplation. Answering that question is difficult; Gen is too young to young to know of authentic sentimentality, responsibility, or true love. It could easily slip beyond his comprehension until he had lived long enough to understand the reasons.

However, that does not mean he won't try and explain. To shy away from having someone understand is to keep them willfully ignorant.

"Before I answer that, let me ask you a question of my own: Is there someone back home you love? Someone that you think of every day, and now that they are no more, you keenly feel their absence?"