[ Finally, John does let go, step back, scrub at his eyes a bit, attempt a really weak smile. ]

<<'Sorry. I'm fine. I'll be fine.'>>

[ And he will be, more or less. He will focus on classes and battles and teaching people a little useful ASL and being glad to have Dave and Jade here. And he'll be okay. And until he's okay, he'll mostly put up a pretty good front - good to people who don't know him, anyway. ]