[He braces himself, but it does nothing to stop the sob that rends its way out of him, as his chin drops to his chest again. He covers his eyes with his hand, to hide from her.]

I'll never know what happened to her... No, I'll never hug my girl to me...!

[His voice breaks, wretchedly, and he lapses into miserable silence until the tightness in his chest loosens.]

I'm sorry. I got... I waited fifteen years, and by the time I was allowed to send for them, there was- there was no one there...