[ the apology actually makes his head snap up, eyes wide like he can't quite comprehend what he's just heard. ]

What? No, why're you saying sorry, that's — [ stupid, and unnecessary, because he didn't do anything wrong, and none of it was his fault, in any case. the last thing he should be doing is apologise.

with a shuddering breath, blinking some stray tears out of his eyes, he tries again, ] I mean, I just didn't want you to get hurt, Mum's bad enough, [ his voice goes quiet and tired and self-deprecating, then, ] It's not worth it, for you to get hurt, not on my account. I've had worse, anyway.