He resists the urge to tap on the jar in turn. "It's something I've noticed since I've been here, you know. When I meet one of us, I can't help but wonder—what happened to you? Did you lose her? How old were you, what became of you? So many things the others have endured that I can't imagine."

You're not my child! he hears again, screwing the jar closed. He doesn't feel much, looking back; it's so long ago. "You understand more than I do, but...."