|
I grunted and shrugged my shoulders, trying to maintain my manly, hardened image. But deep down, I knew the girl was right, per usual. I hadn't been hugged, not truly, since the day before Starla left upon the Dalia. My guilt weighed me down so heavily it kept me from showing any affection since. But goddamn if I didn't want it, didn't need it. Some would act as if men are supposed to be androids, devoid of all emotion, constant providers, constant protectors. Even after three hundred years off Earth, this notion still held true now more than ever. But to that I say: baloney! I was raised to be this way, and it's a cage I find myself unable to break out of to this day. But goddamn if I didn't see the bars. Don't make it right, don't make it an excuse, but it is what it is. Maybe some day I will escape this cage and feel the warm sun upon my face again. Rescuing Starla would certainly do the trick. But if the unthinkable should happen...would I stay in the cage forever? Would anyone ever come around and break the lock?
I'm...I'm alright, kid. Don't worry about me. | 
