Swiftcurrent Creek And do our talking with a laser beam

his ears splayed; why was everyone so determined to be aggressive? his own tongue was lighting before he knew it, before he heard himself;
"h-hello, mae. i'm l-lestan m-mayfair. i've b-been through — a l-lot. i d-do not w-want to talk about it."
he tried to remain calm, wanting to remove himself at once but bound by this unexpected tether of blood.