When you know the alternative is death, it's a little easier to withstand that kind of torture.
"If I lose focus for even an instant, I'll never stand again."
Proceeds to chat with his wife.
"Strange. Strength is welling up inside me."
That's called support. Two are stronger than one.
Of course those people would return the moment it seemed like they could.
And immediately people fighting over who gets to rule it, based on shady rumours.
I think that misunderstanding is for the better. For once. After all, the ones misunderstanding are scumbags.