[ she pauses a moment - it's strange how fast time seems to pass, and yet it always feels like those she knew haven't been gone long. ]

He's been gone nearly a year. Sorry I don't have better news. [ she does look sorry about it. she has a brother. she can imagine his disappointment to know that he's managed to miss his. ] That's how it works here. People come and go.

Except for me. I've been here going on three years.