There be no need for apologies. [ they're all here for a short time, some shorter than others. they fulfill a purpose, and then they leave. ] I'm happy for you both, in very truth.

[ and sad for himself, but that's besides the point. he takes a deep breath, inhaling the smoke from his cigarette, and turns his head from the phone to exhale. ]

Aye, I do intend it. I've matters to attend to in my own time. [ after a moment, he continues, ] If it's not goodbye forever, it is, at the least, goodbye for a long while. Surely you'll not deny it?