[His smile fades.]

[He had had plenty of time to think about it then, and plenty more time since. He can't imagine not being unable to think about the situation at all. Not unless... well.]

[There are a few scenarios, he supposes, where one's mind may be elsewhere. Or even not present at all.]

Maybe you really an outlier. Unlucky, but not foolish.

[it's a minor concession]

I'd say "congratulations," but somehow I get the feeling that might be out of line.