While the word isn't painful to Linden, per se, it does cause him to stop in his tracks. This guy just keeps throwing him curveballs, and it's concerning to say the least. So much relies on Linden's ability to be an unreadable stone wall.

"No, I'm afraid not. I lived with a wealthier family in my District and paid for board with work and my paycheck from the factory, but it wasn't the same. My parents have been gone for years."

He doesn't say dead, because that's not true.

"As for marriage and children for myself... I don't think it's in the cards."