[ He knew, of course. Once he'd heard the false name, he knew. His throat works in a swallow. His mind races and the world narrows as he feels something burning inside of him. An anger and hurt that threatens to overwhelm everything else. ]

Of course.

[ He almost laughs. It's more of a choking sound that carries no amusement whatsoever. ]

Was any of it real, then? Your gratefulness? Our conversation in Springstar? Or was I simply someone for you to use up and discard?

[ He doesn't know why this hurts so much. It wasn't as if they were close. ]