These days it seemed like the words between them were there only to outline the silences.

“if you were quiet and blended into the background, you were less likely to make…”

“Suffering so someone else didn't have to suffer. Sacrificing your body for some…”

“Someone real," I hear myself saying. "Someone who never has to pretend, and who…”

“I'd try to stuff myself into one of these scenarios, but it's like wearing a si…”