Linden feels a passing sense of guilt when he does this to Karkat, drops a bombshell like that one and leaves the prickly but well-meaning Troll to feel like he was unintentionally callous or cruel. He can clearly relate enough to understand what it means to Linden, at least on some comparable level, and he says nothing as he follows him into the kitchen as he slides the tray into the oven.

"Don't be sorry," he says softly. "It is what it is, and it can't be changed. I appreciate your empathy, but... this is unfortunately just one more example of things being the way they are."

He leans against the counter.

"I didn't even know her name. I regret that."