"I’m just hiding up here because it’s like—a different life. A realer life. I never do very much for the Troupe, because I just can’t do much, I’m just too sick and too weak. But when I’m here with you people, I’m just some kid, I’m not just some dying kid." He stopped a moment, thinking hard. "But Carol, that’s not all of it, either. I mean, that’s what it was like at first, and it’s all still true, but it’s not the way I really feel anymore. You know what? I’m interested."