Q. [omitted]
A. We used to wash with tiny sponges. This is important. To our minds, at least, our tiny sponges were what made us different. I remember once bringing a tiny sponge to class for show and tell. I chickened out at the last moment, of course. Improvised a skit about a dog or something. Made them laugh.
Q. [omitted]
A. Nope. Never brought anyone over. My mother asked of course. Whatever else she was, she liked the company just about as much as the next guy. But our house was bigger than any of my class mates', so there's that. And to stand there and explain all those corridors and chambers? The hatching pits? No way, man. Would you?
Q. [omitted]
A. Ah, you don't know, man. Don't know what it was like. At... all...
Q. [omitted]
A. No, no, man. Relax. No need to apologize. You're young. You only know after. I was there before. When I was still the only one in the daylight. We're not made for that, you know. Yeah, I guess you do. Well, it was hard, is all I can say. Mind if I smoke?
Q. [omitted]
A. Great.
