Flint is on his feet the moment Silver draws within two steps of him, pulled to standing as if by magnetic force. Much as he's trying to contain himself, he simply isn't made to be passive. He steps into Silver's space before Silver can do the same to him.

The crutch left by the chair infuriates him. If Silver wants a fight he could at least scrabble for every advantage he can get, and Flint knows he's steadier with the cane, has seen him use it as a weapon in and of itself in times. It's selfish of him to leave it, robbing Flint of the chance to claim there was any fair fight between them.

This whole visit is selfish. Nose to nose, Flint snarls his accusation: "You scattered who I was, and now you come here looking for him."

As he says it, the light from the fire catches Silver's face in a particular way and suddenly James wonders — did he just come here looking for Flint? Or is it that James doesn't know who else to be around him?

There are other options, maybe. He could be otherwise with him. The idea stops him, shuts him up before he can say more. There is something startled and watchful in his expression as a new idea emerges wet-winged from its chrysalis. His heartbeat reverberates in his head.