"You'd learn how to adapt," John says. "It might not be easy, but you would."

Jake is capable. He isn't stupid, he's good at his job, John thinks he would manage to work it out. It's true that it's a little more extreme of an example than most people have to adjust to when their lives change, but John has also discovered most people can adapt to things they would never expect. And Jake isn't alone here. They're walking together right now, after all, and it's a strange thing, John still isn't entirely sure what to make of it, but he would be here if Jake needed him. If it turned out to be something long term.

"Want to come upstairs?" he asks. "Karen is there, I'm sure she'd be glad to see you. I can get you a beer."