I know that I can't stop sad things from happening— even I'm not that naive. [ more vigorous hand-shaking, as if to emphasize each point that he's clumsily trying to make. ] But I'm just as stubborn as I am loud! And too outspoken?! And... okay, forget that tangent!

[ Good job, Gus. ]

But I promise you, absolutely promise you, that I'll never disappear without saying a word. Never. Never!

Never.