The quiet lasts for a good few minutes--give the bird-boy credit for that much. The desperate urge inside him builds until he wants to scream, talk about anything. What's a safe topic he can latch onto?

Oh.

< You know what would be nice? If we could fly together. I think you'd like it, flying as a bird. I know, I know, it's stupid. Doesn't stop me fantasizing about flying around with some of you. Almost every day. > A beat. < God, you were robbed too. >