To his shame, the mere mention of the Living Land's name is enough, at this point, to make him flinch. Perhaps he would be better with it, though, if she was the only issue at hand.

He's quiet again, and staring down hard at the roll of bandages and bottle of antiseptic he has at hand now. This is hard to deal with, this whole business with Riley Falner choosing, with pinpoint accuracy, when to be unfailingly direct.

Fuck fixing himself up. He needs another cigarette first.

"I can handle my business well enough on my own, Riley. It's just been hard lately, that's all."

He needs to make this last attempt at deflecting your attention, and he needs you to let him at least try.