How many clichés is he capable of unsheathing to defend himself? Pressing close to a loved one at night calms you down, love is better than faith in God, it’s like a prayer in the face of the constant risk of death; having kids lowers anxiety, oh how sweet the joys of one’s brood, how thrilling to see them grow: You realize you’re a ring in an endless chain, those before you and those to come, it’s the only way to feel immortal; et cetera et cetera et cetera.
