...well. Of course, she doesn't know he knew that. She doesn't know what he tried to do.

(He's having a hard time explaining to himself now why seeing those few scraps of fur made him so enraged, and so reckless. He likes Duchess, and she didn't deserve to die like that, but it's not like they're actually close.)

(Of course, no one he does care deeply for has ever died. That has never ever happened.)

"I'm - ha. The same, actually. I mean..."

No, he can't keep this up at all. His expression crumples. 'Majorly upset' is clearly the issue here. He covers his face with one hand, looking away.

"I know what happened. I wanted to make sure - that you were back, too."