[Now it's Lin's turn to pause. He twirls a thermometer he found in his hands and watches the little red line as he wonders on what he should say. Once again, he shifts the phone, using his free hand to try to push the box of books to a more secure position on the counter he's leaning on.]
I think this is like the whole "freedom of speech" thing. Like, how I can say whatever I want, to be sure, but that doesn't mean other people can't or won't react to it, and that I won't have to deal with the consequences of what I say. You know? So, yeah, I can totally do what I want, but there are consequences, and I have to deal with them.
[Lin clears his throat. He beins wrapping the thermometer in the phone's cord. He doesn't know how feels about being ...so mature. It feels a little uncomfortable, but he continues.]
I also don't think you should invalidate your own feelings about something.