"I'm fine. It's fine." Errol tried a smile, thought that it still felt a little stiff, and tried again. "Just a bit overwhelmed. Really, I'm having a wonderful time."
He took another sip, made an effort to breathe slowly and deeply, and focused on the conversation. Returning to the thought of something that he'd enjoyed instead of dwelling on the thought of something awful helped. "I'm only familiar with opera in an academic sense, but I gather that this is fairly typical. Story through song. How did Wagner get to be so associated with all opera, anyway?"
He had to admit that burgers and ice cream did sound tempting, but he didn't want to ruin the spectacle for Fred. It wasn't often that there was an opportunity to dress up and do something truly eventful here, at least that he'd noticed--and missing such opportunities was a distinct possibility with him--and he wouldn't spoil it. "I'd like to," he said. "I just needed a moment. Really."