[ He heaves out a sigh that seems ripped from the very centre of him. ]

I won't tell them. They believe I took the same course of action as they did. [ The fallout of Stefan's actions seem to stretch out in front of him as far as the eye can see. He feels so tired. ]

I apologise. I didn't think you would be caught up in this too. I would have dealt with all of it myself if I'd known.