"I won't let them hurt me either. " My words sound cold, but it's true. The insect, the behemoth, the sea-creature and 'me ' can't disappoint me. I don't expect a welcome, so it's better to be pessimistic.

I let him press into my hair and I sigh contently, despite the dour subject of conversation. We're both prone to grooming, aren't we?

I hope he won't mind my instinct to follow him around, either.