i should let him continue fighting with concussions.

he does not know a guy.

fine. i can accept that.

slinking away to light a cigarette.

right. your vow. i’m glad you’ll be resting up. you need it. i still don’t think it would be wise to go out too far, though.

and you do not need to. i assure you, there is no need for you to fight against any forces. you need to rest.

you’re staying here. there is no more evil over there than there is over here.

( but? * ) i’m making an effort to keep you safe. it’s no problem. it’s part of my job.

i’m not doubting your ability to walk far. what i am telling you is that i am not allowing you to walk that far.

/ polish arcade is rattling in my brain

if you walk too far, you will eventually run into the ocean. at which point, you will need to swim for a long time to reach land again. you absolutely under no circumstances are going to be walking that far.

already itching for a break.

what are you implying . . .

oh! uh, yeah — yeah, you slew that great beast alright. [ forced smile. ]

i’m pretending i don’t know what they’re arguing about for my own peace.

god. i should have gone to bed.

with what?

say you hate me.

wow. and you said you missed me.

good.

i missed you, too. are you doing well?

six! hi!

yeah. yeah it is.

that’s . . . that’s boone?

. . . fine. one of the courier’s friends. good luck.

i don’t trust that.

/ sorry arcraig forever real in my heart

i’m not answering that.

thinking about a man named craig a little too hard.

i don’t do that.

i’m leaving. goodbye.

you did. so do you want me here or not?

make up your mind.

i’m a doctor, technically.

don’t thank me. it’s the least i can do.

i can leave.

no. i work with plants, mostly. of course, those could become monsters but no, none of mine have.

okay. i can do that. if you need anything at all, call me, okay?

i’m going to get you water. i know you insist that you’ll be fine, but i want you to be hydrated. do i need to walk you to your bed? you’re welcome.

go lay down. i’ll check on you later. do you need anything?

. . . you should take a break. i can handle it, i think.

no. i can’t.

ways to make medicine, more or less.

i don’t think i trust that.

if only lydia was here. good god.

yes?

that’s — he’s fine. that’s fine. he’ll figure it out.

does anyone need my immediate help right this very moment?

. . . oh, god. okay. and i assume none of this involves my own research?

do you think we could figure out if my presence is ( required? * ) and oh, joy. i don’t think you did. you can say no to me if you’d like, i will not hold it against you.