"It's not easy." The words aren't an attempt to get out of saying something of content, they just seem to be the most appropriate by far. He doesn't know what story lies behind Owen's approach to the matter, not nearly enough, anyway, but whatever he brought with him before the whole numbered business started, it clearly did not make the already complicated matter easier.

His hand gives in slightly when Owen slumps, just slightly to adjust the change, not enough to make a full hug out of it by far.