Consequences and learning experiences, Cole. For all the discomfort is real, there's no deep anger, and there's no hatred. "I want," he says in confirmation. "Thank you."

It leaves him at the branching of paths between choosing another topic of conversation, or leaving. Leaving feels easier, but of the many things Victor does, most aren't running away.

He holds out a hand. "Can I give the game a try? I should at least manage to play one of the carnival games properly."