[Fortunately for Miles, it's only past tense because his mother had retired from soldiering a long time ago. It's hard to think of her as a present tense soldier when she so disdains any form of unnecessary violence. That, however, Miles sees as a wisdom and not a weakness. Of course, he's oblivious to any undertones of tragedy here.]
Why does he need protecting from us? [Miles is a little sharper, due to his interest in this bit of information. Then he reins himself in.] Are we harming him in some way by our presence?
no subject
Why does he need protecting from us? [Miles is a little sharper, due to his interest in this bit of information. Then he reins himself in.] Are we harming him in some way by our presence?