[He closes his fingers around her hands and then pulls them close against his chest, over where his heart is beating. He continues to shake his head softly]

T-that is not Hayden's responsibility. He is only a little boy, J-julie. And he has stayed w-with me almost every moment. He has been so diligent. And awfully brave. And so v-very very good.

[Delmar inhales shakily]

All of you are too young to h-have to go through any of this.