"And I tried to do something... I really did but I..." He shakes his head and seems stiffen his resolve. "There is more that I can do. You have shown me a different way. Perhaps I am not without hope."

He blinks at the poke and shakes his hand. He flicks at it with his index finger, still interested, still amused.

"Then, I would like to know what I can do.... if what they said is true. If I have it I might as well understand it."