"Maybe they're not self-respecting," I reply, mouth twitching down. "God knows they don't respect anything else." Like the laws of physics or the natural passage of time.

"I mean, if you want to stay here—" I slip my hand from Sam's arm, hold it up. "You do you. I'm just thinking it might be healthier to mull over the screwed up surprises down here in a place with actual fresh air. As a physician and as a friend. Because just being down here is a little much for me, personally."