Wonderfully structured and worded. I really like this kind of fallout from the hell memories. It makes perfect sense, and you see it all the time in the real world where person has gone through a lifetime of horror and don't blink when a family member is going through "minor" pain. They appear to lack empathy but really they are so damaged that it's hard to them to relate to "shallow" wounds.

Also, I've been reading your other story "Great Blue World.." and it's a testament to your immense talent that you made me like Cas! That's basically a miracle.