[He nodded, acknowledging Alluka's warning, but he was still caught off guard by this exchange. Alluka was talking about her traumatic childhood with the nonchalance of discussing weather. Exactly weather. He took a few deep breaths. Once his hands had stopped trembling, her passed her a glass of cool water, filled with ice cubes, and a slice of lemon pushed against the side. He had a scholarship, but he helped make ends meet as a bartender in college.]

I'll be careful. Seven years, though... wow...

[Almost as long as he'd spent in medical school. It wasn't what she needed, so he tried not to show it, but he was angry at how she was treated. So much wasted time and potential...]

But you're so happy now.