[ " People hurt other people when they're in pain."

He may as well be talking about Alice, herself; that's an awful reminder of the children she left behind. ]

I wouldn't bother if it weren't for you.

[ But still. ]

There is only so much one can do when another is out of their mind. You did what you could and that's what matters. Allow him distance for a small while and then try again. A friend can help, yes, but sometimes, when we are in pain and out of our minds, the best solution can come from within. We just have to find it.