It has proved unfortunates, your abstaining, though I must commend you. Not many have come this far. That is, of course, understanding the futility of your endeavor; hunger takes us all, in the end. I embraced that truth early. I was never sentimental.
Put your hands down. I’m not here to stop you. I don’t need to prove the truth to you, or to myself, but you and I know what happens if you fail. Honestly, you should welcome me—thank me, even—for being here.
Do you think we’d let you continue in your folly without a safety net?
Psst! Hey kid, wanna buy a book?
