I thank you for that, Frederic. I guess we're both hiding. But you're far more brave then I when it comes to taking it off, I'm afraid. [ He gives the other a faint smile, his own hands resting on his lap. ]

Someone...close to me hurt me when I was very young, and even sometimes now when we're both older. [ He laughs dourly. ] I suppose it's foolish that I don't defend myself, but how can I? How can I do that to him- [ His jaw clenches shut, as his hands ball into fists once more; he shakes his head eyes yielding nothing but a sorrowful look. ]

Ah, it's funny, isn't it? How life is always so complicated, even when we don't think it will be.