"I have not been here long enough to form attachments to those whom I have met who are now gone."

The thought comes to him that that doesn't mean he can't miss those he apparently left behind in his own world. He does, occasionally, find that he wishes Walter were here. And he finds that he is concerned for the welfare of his son...

His son... And suddenly it clicks. He had formed this odd attachment to Diarmuid because he reminded him of his son.

He stops walking, staring into the middle distance for a moment. He reaches one hand out to Diarmuid, as though intending to hold his.

"I have an idea, if you would come with me."