“Let me ask you a question, malyutka. If you had a choice between keeping something precious to you safe, but safety would mean letting it go forever, or keeping it in constant danger, but having it close to you, which would you choose?” “Hypothetically?” “Yes.” “Like if it was you?” He braces an arm against the wall, bows his head, and nods. His demeanor scares me. I know this isn’t a simple hypothetical question. He’s weighing a choice, and it has to do with me. I say firmly, “I’d keep it in constant danger.” His laugh is low and mirthless. “No, you wouldn’t. You’re not that selfish.” “Yes,
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