MATHIS.

[tactic]

I'LL FILL THIS IN

Comments

[tactic]

Everything's taken quite a toll on everyone, hasn't it?

[ He is sympathetic... ]

[cumulative]

...it has. It... seems as if it's been difficult for all of us, with how long this has gone on.

[tactic]

... Sorry. Think you can manage to hold on for a little longer?

[cumulative]

I don't know.

[...]

I'm trying to, but I wouldn't exactly say that I want to.

[tactic]

I'm not sure how much my words will help, but you and the others are doing a great job so far.

[cumulative]

It hasn't... felt very much like it, lately.

[tactic]

Oh, I'm sure.

[ THE DEPRESSION IS UPON YOU ALL ]

But you'll just have to take my word for it.

[cumulative]

...I'll try to, I promise.

[a little nod! he is making an Effort.]

Has it been difficult for you...?

[tactic]

Well, I can't discuss anything, but I'm fine. The others with me are fine.

[ A slight pause. ]

It's mostly this side we've been worrying about.

[cumulative]

That was the impression I'd gotten... that you were largely all right, but worried over us. I- I'm glad we've all been able to speak like this, even if you aren't able to say too much.

[tactic]

I'm glad, too, though I'm also sorry that it's come down to so few of you to see the rest of this through.

[cumulative]

...I can't say that it's all right. B-but, um, thank you for saying so.

I'm sorry, though. It must have been strange for you and Monsieur Hill and Death in particular, being the first...

[tactic]

... I guess it was a bit strange at first.

[ He can't talk too much about it or else. ]

Don't concern yourself with us, though.