"There is no need for repayment," he said in that slow, even tone of his. Emoting was something that happened to other people.

He closed the lid on the box, and stowed it back in the medicine pack. He felt no real attachment to more than a handful of his belongings and they accumulated quickly. If she didn't pick out the comb, it would have probably sat in there for decades - or even centuries.

He gave voice to none of this, but rather lightly tapped the side of his head to indicate the veritable mass of hair he kept tucked away under the bandanna.

"I know such struggles very well."