[ He makes a face at that. Not to argue or protest her words, but more at the fact in general. ]

It's been pretty hard to be myself with things so grim around here this week. It hit everyone hard. I dunno, maybe it's all rubbing off on me.

[ It's certainly felt that way. The past few days, it's almost felt like he's been drowning under some of it. Which is weird. He doesn't normally have so much trouble keeping his spirits up - even if it's by sheer force of will. ]