"Stay or don't stay," he crouched down next to the fire as it flickered and wavered in the strong wet gusts coming through the open entrance. "But shut the damn door behind you."

He put his mechanical hand down to the floor and shifted so that he was sitting down. He glanced at her and then returned his attention to the fire and a pot bubbling away on top of it.

"I've listened, and I've given you my answer. I can't be part of this. I'm not the man you've come searching for."