[ They feel as if they are being pulled in a myriad directions - to the point where nothing they say seems anywhere near the usual. This outwardly potential placid appearance feels temporary; after all, it's like they've been knocked down rather hard.

Yet, what makes it worse is that...they are so close to the final confrontation. They have to gather themselves up quickly; they did it before in the nightmares, even when they felt at their breaking point. Surely they can do it again? They nod a bit to what Turo says here, because they do agree - it's one thing to have a hand in something...to be yourself when doing something.

But, it's another to not be in control. To lose the freedom to think as their own person. Yet, maybe that's the problem all along - thinking that they could escape such a fate. That they were anything other than... ]

...I do wonder if it was naive of myself to believe that I was past such a concern.

[ They laugh to themselves a little at the thought, raising a hand to their head, expression shrouded. ]

At the very least, I shall not give everyone else too much cause for concern. I don't plan to suddenly find myself useless because of this...because of what happened.