Worked for is a very specific form of phrase that in Daniel's mind really only applies to the time before Seth was held against his will. It's said without enthusiasm or pride or relief or anything, just empty words and a meaningless date.

"But it's been longer since you have," Daniel reminds him. "Most people wouldn't even have the strength to put themselves back together after going through that, but you did." It's the praise that people who have been damaged seldom recognize, but that doesn't mean Daniel won't still point it out, as long and as often as he needs to for Seth to start believing it. "Do you understand how brave that is?"