"No... that's okay." he replied about the guard dog. But then also added, "I'm not depressed... Wanting to die and choosing to die are two very different... um... things..."

He looked down, biting his lip. Did he really just say that? This turned into an awkward conversation far too fast.

"I'm fine! There's treatment... a... a good treatment now... made by World Enterprises..."

He closed his mouth again, feeling like he just made it even worse. He was trying to network, to show Tom that he was an act worth backing. No one wants to back a cripple, especially one they think might be dying.

"...a very good..." he gulped. "... can someone... pass the salad?"