[ This is not a conversation Mary's accustomed to having with someone whose name she still doesn't know. But once again, it's so bizarre and unusual that she has to answer him, and Mary's not the sort of person to offer dishonest replies.

She does find it unfair, however, that he knows and she doesn't, that she's left wondering about this person and why he speaks softly of the fear of hurting others. As if he really does understand.]

I'm... not like humans. [ Not completely. She knows this. ] And when I listened, when I read, it was always there. That what I am, what I come from... the monsters in those books, that's me.

But... [ Her voice trembles, and Mary lowers her head, shaking it. ] E-even someone like me-- all I wanted was to know more, to make friends! I never wanted to be the bad thing!

[ His question isn't one she can say yes or no to, not when it's too complicated in her own mind. ]