[somebody gets it and that's enough to shock him right into silence.
he'd never say that aloud himself because the pity's kindly meant, isn't it, and there's no point in bringing more suffering into the world just because their concern rubs him the wrong way (don't you know you can't do that anymore; here, let us help, as if he didn't know his own limitations and how it takes failure to break past them).
but still he wants to, some days, when he hears their voices go gentle with condescension, when they offer help he knows he needs. because pity rots the heart and if his were any smaller it'd've been eaten hollow by now.
finally, quietly:]
No. You don't ever.
[how do you know, he wants to ask, and knows better.]
no subject
he'd never say that aloud himself because the pity's kindly meant, isn't it, and there's no point in bringing more suffering into the world just because their concern rubs him the wrong way (don't you know you can't do that anymore; here, let us help, as if he didn't know his own limitations and how it takes failure to break past them).
but still he wants to, some days, when he hears their voices go gentle with condescension, when they offer help he knows he needs. because pity rots the heart and if his were any smaller it'd've been eaten hollow by now.
finally, quietly:]
No. You don't ever.
[how do you know, he wants to ask, and knows better.]