"I see," he said for the third time today, making himself thrice the liar. Oh, he understood what Zoe was saying to him. But understanding the words and translating them into the world he saw around him -- those were two different things. He nevertheless nodded to her and visibly pulled himself together. His back went straighter, his chin lifted, and his face went... hard. The lost expression lingered behind his eyes, but it was clear that he was trying.
For whatever it was worth.
"Thank you, Zoe," he said, bowing his head formally to her.