"You're right, I was. I didn't mean to stay away for as long as I did. I just..."

What, he had to stay away? He knew his children were brilliant and would probably understand if he told them the whole truth about why he had felt the need to stay away, but he couldn't bring himself to say it.

"...I made a mistake, and I really am sorry. I'm not... I won't be going away anymore, however."