"Is that what all the kids are doing these days?" he asks, drawling just a little for emphasis. "Guess I'm just not a fan of common. So we're walking, then? It's a nice night for it." The drawl is gone again, just his usual non-accent.

He twirls the cane once and taps the metal end to the concrete with a satisfying ring. "It occurred to me that aside from helping your new friend, we haven't spoken since that strangely honest exchange at the therapy table. I prefer our conversations less guided. Don't you?"