[the last time a woman squeezed their hand, she was etching in a rune that would spirit janus away from their universe and everything they knew. also: it was their mom. it's a strange series of associations, but janus is too well-trained to shuffle or flinch.

but they squeeze her hand back, after a moment. in the service of air-conditioning. and also: she is offering them ice cream, which suddenly seems like an equally brilliant idea.]

I usually consume sorbet, [they say,] due to the absence of saturated fats. A little sugar is okay sometimes. [a beat.] But I will accommodate your preferences if you prefer a dairy-based dessert. I'm not a sailor, but you seem to know what you're about. [scars. that sounds like the hunter life, were it not for hunter physiology.]