"Coraline," I said, before stopping. How could I possibly explain this? "Yes, I'd protect you, but it's more than that. If somebody hurts my friends -- my best friends--" I struggled for the next words. "How can you expect me not to be angry? You're my friends! And nothing and no one should be allowed to hurt them, ever! As long as I'm living, nobody hurts the ones I--" I caught myself with a cough. That was a dangerous bridge too far. "I'm best friends with."

Clearly, I needed to walk this back, fast. "I'm glad you're better, and I'm sorry I went a little crazy, there." I looked away. "I saw some good friends almost die. I saw some friends die back at the Labyrinth. I swore then and there never again."