We survived, none the worse for wear. [In spite of what Sherlock's deductions yesterday about John and Harry making up a secret language together might have said.] It's not like they left us to starve or out in the cold. Maybe it was better. I learned to take care of myself. Life skills, right?

[He lightens his tone again, trying to get Alfie to just laugh it off as the bizarre vagaries of the future.]