"Reading's better than nothing." Neil's never been a bookworm, but he'll take it. "It's not like I can do anything other than stay put, I feel weak as a bloody kitten right now."

Which is, let's be honest, at least half of what is keeping him on edge and unable to stop sniping at the staff. He doesn't like feeling helpless and right now he feels so incredibly helpless- he couldn't do anything to stop the cloud that struck him and it seems to have sapped his strength. He doesn't know if he'll get it back or if he'll feel like this forever, and if he isn't strong, what is he?

Useless, that's what.