Frederick sighs. He props himself up with his elbow in the pillows, and leans his cheek on his hand.

"Not directly, no," he replies, stroking her cheek. "It has more to do with someone I've never met. Well..." He pauses; that's not quite true. But doesn't elaborate. He seems to start, but then doesn't, for whatever reason.

His eyes are far away. "It only wakes me up at night. And I just feel so sorry for him..." He flinches, then swallows, feeling like he's said too much. "But there's nothing to be done about it, anymore. What bothers me is waking up feeling alone, and feeling guilty for it, because so often I'm not."