I knew it was wrong the first morning I woke up in a better-furnished condo with my mother alive. [He idly rubs his thumb along the gauze on his palm.] I just couldn't entirely access why that was wrong. Whether or not you played a part in my true consciousness breaking through the facade isn't worth stressing over.

[He rearranges himself carefully, shifting into a crouch and picking up the first aid kit. He pauses and scrutinizes Akira, sees the fragile exterior of calm barely concealing his trauma over the situation.] I appreciate you letting it happen on its own. You know I prefer to handle my own struggles.