He carried on a few extra steps, before realizing that Max had paused. He turned back, shoulders slumping tiredly.

"I couldn't let ya go. I know ya wanted to, an' I know that's why yer here now, but I jus'--"

There weren't really words for it, none that he knew anyway, for what it felt like there in the dark, knowing Max was dying, having to picture what it would be like trying to go on without him.

"I jus' can't. I'll be here whatever else. I do anythin' ya ask of me, but don't expect me to do that."

He just didn't have it in him.