[ he thinks on that-- it roots into his mind, even through the smog, toxic and suffocating. his eyes are wandering, shifting in saccades, and he hears the distant cry of the jungle from long ago. ]

So like... [ he swallows, trying to distract himself from the pain. ] The ecosystem -- and how if even one thing meets its end or comes to life... it affects everything else in the chain, right?

[ he doesn't take it personally. on the contrary he looks to him, genuine respect swimming within him for a change. like he didn't know people could truly be devoted in the world in that way. ]

...Are you really happy -- takin' care of everyone else like that...?

[ what a stupid question. but he can't help himself. sha-ming slips out of his jacket, unable to cope with the growing heat, breathing labored as he nods in affirmation. ]

Okay.

[ and then, before he begins-- ]

Thank you.