"Look, Matt, I'm just trying to make sure we're all on the same page here. You've seemed kind of distant lately, and I was wondering if anything's bothering you."

"Well," he pronounces ponderously.

"Honestly, Matt. I really want to know."

"Well, yeah. Do you remember the Battle of Phoenix?"

"Yes, I do," you say. "Your service there was exemplary. Come on, Matt. You took a bullet for me. I can't express how grateful I am."

"Maybe you should," he replies.

"What?"

"After Adam patched me up, you ABANDONED me. I'd been serving with you for so long I didn't know what to do with myself. I had no job, no money, no prospects. I ended up working as a bouncer at a strip club after you gave the scatter order. Do you think that made me happy?"

"No."

"No, it didn't. I was barely scraping by. I had a roof over my head, sure, but it was tough."

"I'm sorry," you say.

"You should be," he fumes. "Then you sent me that text and just... just expected me to come back."

"And you did."

"I'm a soldier, and you're the General. I'm glad to be back. I just wish I felt appreciated."

"I do appreciate you, Matt. I swear I do, and I mean to show it more. Honestly, I wish you had talked to me sooner."

"I didn't feel like it was my place."

"You always have a place by my side, Matt. Come here."

You hug him, and he bear hugs you back. "Go on, General. There are some people who want to hear you talk."