“No, I don’t think you do. I haven’t been a kid in a long, long time. And even before then, I was never a follower, not for anyone,” I sighed again, pinching my nose and trying to put into words just what it was that was bothering me. “I’ve been alone for so long now, Al. This body...this damn child’s body. Do you know how frustrating it is to speak to people who would have once been my peers and have them condescend me, to assume that I don’t know what I’m talking about, to protect me when I don’t need protection.”
Alphonse didn’t move, inscrutable. But there was something in that stillness that bespoke of something dark. I looked up, sensing the change in mood. “No, Alex. I don’t know what that’s like. Because in this body….I’m an adult in the eyes of society. Adults look at me and ass
