You did mention you were a fat kid. Kids can be cruel, anyway. Like all of us, just with less filter, they have a great capacity for kindness and cruelty. I'm glad no one managed to get their hands on your file. I think Atticus Anning is a nice name, but I can understand the childhood fear. I was small, as you know. I didn't sweat a lot, but I was different too. And sick. Sick all the time. School wasn't like it is now. We didn't always go, especially once the Depression hit. But, kids roved around a lot. I remember trying to get a job selling papers, and the man, this big Italian guy, told me I'd get blown away with a gust of wind and I'd make everyone sick and to go home and wait to die. It wasn't a nice thing for a man to say to a kid. But, he probably wasn't wrong. Gusts are dangerous when you're 35lbs or less. And it is Steven. Steven Grant. Grant was my father.
Why didn't your father fight? Contentious objector? Or, no, if he felt guilty. School or disability? I know a little about how he might have felt. I had the same guilt back in the '40s, before the serum. I'd like to say too that you make me feel ancient. You're right that I didn't want to share Peggy. She was the first woman I loved, and it wasn't the suffocation you mention, but it was big and bright and warm, and God knows I had no idea what I was doing. I don't know that all women feel as your friends do, monogamy or tears. There is socialization to think about. Men are raised being taught to suppress emotion and that it's masculine to sleep around. Women are taught the opposite. It makes sense it'd look different to us, right?
Now, did you try to kiss the love of her life only because you were drunk? And, if not, why didn't it happen again? I'm glad PJ will be staying with you. Loneliness is hard. I like sharing space, personally, but I grew up in a very small room. I hope she doesn't keep too close an eye on you, for both of your sakes.
I don't think I've been called charming before. I'll take it as a compliment. I hear you can watch most TV shows from your computer these days. And, if I'm going to be on, I'll let you know. I'm glad to hear you miss having me around too. I know that comment was entirely earnest.
I have Matt's number still. All Janus' too. I won't call him, but I'll try Matt here in a few days, once I get my own. (Still working on that.) I'm glad you've talked him out of involvement. The whole ordeal sounds complicated and dangerous. Please stay safe. This is a scenario where it's fine not to compromise.
I won't keep on too much more. By the time you get this, I'm probably going to have called you, but I didn't want to pass up the chance to get long-winded on you here. I hope you're taking care and I'll talk to you soon.