I should say that had you not started our discussion with how you had met, and what you discussed, I would have very much feared such a plan. The one I knew was quite attracted to the suffering of others, perhaps to excessive end. I spilled tears for him no matter the case, but it felt quite like each time I looked away, he would be ready with something else.

[The shade sighs, wisps of shadow blowing across his indistinct form.] ...Perhaps not even that, but instead, a mark of what is or is not necessary. We have in ourselves great capacity for any number of deeds beyond what is expected or needed to but survive, but in turn, whether we use it for the benefit of others, or the punishment instead, says so much about ourselves.