He laughs, soft and sad. His head shakes. "Aware of me so you can avoid me. It's like making sure you know where a hornet is so you don't get stung."

Ronan felt like he always felt around everyone. The snake in the room that everyone was stepping around. He had let himself become the rumors. And now, even here, he couldn't be anything different.

"I should sleep. Sorry about tonight." Sorry he tried. Every attempt had failed. Even just asking questions. Ronan was exhausted and he felt defeated. He curled up with his pillow and let his mind wander to the forest.