do you genuinely love your sister?
[ He frowns and takes a moment to mull over the question, shifting his jaw from side to side in sudden, jerky movements. ]"Before I answer, though, let me ask you a question, Mr. Greyface. But bear with me, ‘cause I have a little something to say before I ask the question. Okay? Here goes. Say you had… a stuffed animal, for instance. A— a bear, let’s say.And that stuffed bear was your best friend since you were small— like, a tiiiny little baby. You kept each other company, shared a bed when the nights were dark and stormy and neither of you wanted to be alone, because being alone was just so goddamn depressing, and so on and so forth. — Now. Imagine growing up and being told by the same person who gave you the bear that you couldn’t rely on that bear forever. You had to be your own person, pave your own way. Rely on yourself. That bear can’t do what you do. Oh, no. Mr. Bear is weak and fragile, and you’re not. You can’t be. You’re all grown up now. You don’t need Mr. Bear anymore. — or so you’re told.… That ratty old thing was your best friend, your sole companion, for years of your life. So, tell me, Greyface — Would you throw away your friend?”
