[his guard is almost completely down, lulled by continued unmet expectations of abuse.]
I... Well... [he isn't sure what to say yet. He's afraid of ruining the moment with something stupid. He's afraid of agreeing too much, or disagreeing a little too much. It would be disingenuous, wouldn't it?]
It was difficult having to go to the hospital the one time for my stomach, but I'm okay. [he's still acting too cautious to be comfortable, and that much is apparent.]
[It's nice hearing an apology, however. He finishes his cigarette quickly, and lights another. He's smoking a little too much, too quickly, but his head is swimming, and his anxiety is ebbing.]
[tentatively] Are you saying that you will be kinder, Birdman?