[He looks conflicted, and after a moment's contemplation, he seems ready to speak again.]

I wish to say my piece and then I will leave you be. If I may -- given what we have discussed, I believe it is possible that your first instinct is to blame yourself when someone wrongs you. That's painful in itself, especially when sometimes your self is all you may have.

I will say nothing of others, as you asked me to speak not of the past. Assuming that belief is true, however, please understand that I am a man able to make his own decisions and who either understands the consequences of his actions or can be made aware of them. If I were to ever betray your confidence, the fault would lie squarely with me, and you would be entitled to any reproach you saw fitting. If you come to me in conversation or in any other capacity, you are not obligated to expect anything of me save that I treat you with decency, as an equal if not more. If that does not happen, it is my failing, not yours. I will endeavor not to fail.

If my conversation gives you any ease, it is yours whenever you seek it. I promise.