Oh. That catches Hector off guard, in a way that leaves him skimming the words a second time. In his better years, it wasn't as though he had a shortage of appreciation given his way, kind words, enthusiasm, praise of so many different varieties one could think of...

But when was the last time someone had told him they were proud of him?

Holding that close to his heart, his smile softens considerably, and it's a battle not to get emotional. Keep it together, c'mon, you're pushing 60, don't go getting weepy because somebody said something nice. (The battle is going rapidly further downhill with every passing moment.) "Thanks, Pokey. Yew're a real good egg, yew know that?"