It'll take time to recover from something like that. [Literally. That bond was no laughing matter. Considering he had not done it himself...he's at least read enough about it to know.] I remember feeling the same way when I lost my friend, though I'm not sure it's quite the same.

[It was like he lost a piece of himself, with no time to grieve. As soon as he made shore he was thrust into work, constantly reminded that he should be there.]

I'm sorry. I don't think there are words to help in this situation. We just need to find a way to move forward. [Easier said than done.] I hope he returns soon, though.

[If at all. He knows he can't promise that Falco would return, but they can at least try and be optimistic, right?]