Yes, it has. And in this you are fortunate: it doesn't always strengthen.

[Ben knows this firsthand. He's at peace with it, now, but he's still aware of it. And he absolutely understands how sometimes, in the end, it's not enough to be worth the cost.

Of course:]

...and thank you for coming. When I asked. [He holds up a hand to forestall any easy dismissals Alex might try. He knows. He does. But.] It's not something I expect. [Deal with it.]