Re: [In person: Damian & Misha]
[Readily, he admitted to this correction, or what was, to his mind, this inclusion.] Too, there is that. [Damian sucked on the cigarette.] And I cannot deny you, not well. But I felt as if I could no longer contain it—this—the feelings. [There ought have been shame sticking to the words, to the roof of the man's mouth, even insidious in the vapor and smoke pushed from lips. But there was nothing. Still, the man sighed. He might not have felt the shame or humiliation at his weakness, but he knew it was there, like a shadow after dark.] It was blinding me to everything that was not me or it. And all I wished to do was scream at Woods. I know he too likely has better things to do. [Damian stuck the cigarette between his lips and mirrored Misha's body language. He folded forward over his own knees, chin to kneecaps. He tucked the tips of his fingers beneath his toes. High, his nervous energy was dulled to nothing. He did not fidget or twitch.] I am concerned about you. And I wanted to be able to meet you at the church and for you to feel better for it, without needing to take care of me, as so often happens.