( he breathes out once, and while he really hates the idea of sympathy - what ed said is true enough, so that's something. and "professional interest" is easy enough to swallow, given what he's heard so far - he'll have to get a grip and think it over, but there may be something to the coincidence. it doesn't have to be a waste, being here. maybe. after a pause, he answers. )
no subject
Thanks.