"No, he can't. If I don't give a quick yes or no, I'll look like a fool. I suppose that's the case anyway." His fingers interlace with Raven's, more of a match than they used to be; he stares at the ceiling.

"Have I told you I don't remember her face? Or I didn't. And then the one here arrived, and now when I think of my mother all I see is her."