The gentle answer frustrates rather than reassures him; he thinks that his pace should be faster and harder-hitting and better than those of others in his situation, instead of this shuffling, sad awkwardness that happens when he's around this many people at once.

"I suppose I'm just anxious about everything that's happening lately. It's hard to leave that kind of thing at the door," he admits. "I should have found a way to, though. It's a birthday party, not a business discussion. I should get a slice."

Pointedly, he turns to go toward the table with the desserts.