"No," he frowns, stroking Alfred's hair tenderly. "It was as though you were lost from yourself. No thoughts, no emotions, simply... raw need."

His voice softens and he rests his forehead against Alfred's, still petting his hair. "I didn't want to lose you. I was so frightened that we might not get you back.

You have people who care for you here, Alfred. People who would miss you very dearly if you were gone."