“It did hurt some people, Jesusa. But it’s never hurt Humans. And it’s never hurt anyone when it’s had Humans with it.” “It told me that.” “Good. Because if it hadn’t, I would have. It needs you more than Nikanj ever needed me.” “You want me to stay with it.” “Very much.” “I’m afraid. This is all so different.… How did you ever…? I mean… with Nikanj.… How did you decide?” My mother said nothing at all. “You didn’t have a choice, did you?” “I did, oh, yes. I chose to live.” “That’s no choice. That’s just going on, letting yourself be carried along by whatever happens.” “You don’t know what
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