"I'm trying, Isaac." It's true, he is. But these habits are so deeply ingrained that he doesn't realize he's acting on them until it's too late.

"This isn't your fault." Chris holds the youth tighter and closes his eyes. "Isaac, please believe me, this is not at all your fault." He can almost pretend, like this, that it doesn't count, that he isn't failing and being weak as he gives up holding back and starts to cry.