Heh. That was hardly the worst offense this world committed. But it's fine. Here's to hoping this one is more hospitable to temporarily reside in.

[ Besides, if there's one thing he hates, it's someone else feeling worry or sympathy for him. So he's quite eager to change the subject, even though it did feel quite freeing to confide in someone else what he and others had been through.

The irony of her asking now, after she'd helped herself to his personal space, makes him smile. ]

No need to worry. If something makes me uncomfortable, I'll let you know.

[ He offers her his hand, proposing a different way of strolling through the market rather than simply walking side by side. ]