By now Kurt's had enough experience of what Deerington inflicts on its residents post-death to not expect Fern to be in the best of shape, but he's still a little shocked at the way it's taken hold of his unique physiology. Without a moment's more thought, he sets down the fabric bag of cans and books and moves forward to wrap his arms around Fern.

"I'm sorry, Fern," he murmurs. "I'm sorry I wasn't there."