"I had wondered about that. I had heard murmurs that such things weren't possible here, but hadn't spoken to anyone about it.

I apologize, that's not really how I meant to tell you, I just -- " Darling sighs and rubs at his eyes under his glasses. "I was getting edgy. Worried that you might think our friendship had begun only because I like your books. And I wanted to assure you that I think you're so much more than all that."