[taking the bottle back, he takes a deeper drink from it. when he lowers it again, he looks thoughtful for a moment before ultimately shaking his head]

I kinda -- I don't feel like I need to worry about Elena showing up? [or anyone from home, and that's both a relief and a source of upset, especially right now. he really wishes Sam was here, if no one else] I mean, it's been, what, almost a year since I've been here, and I haven't seen anyone from home?

[a beat]

But Caroline? [he shakes his head again] I don't know, man. [and then he barks out a laugh] I might not even have to worry about it. I mean, I've heard some shit about people not remembering this place, when they leave, so.