[He stays quiet, watching him. He doesn't want to push this. Even though... it hurts a little, too. The absence.]

Then don't. Don't imagine it.

Think instead how annoyed he would be, if you had this opportunity, and ignored it.

[He's trying, McCrane. Really. Because it's been on his mind, too. Ever since Deckerd showed up.]

[He kneels, and takes out one of the smaller firecrackers, holding it out.]

I know how. And... if nothing else... I was made to teach. Wasn't I?