Yes...I noticed that.

[He thinks about it.]

There were some slips sometimes, when I'd speak with him. Certain words, or subjects, and he'd fall into a quiet contemplation. I took it simply...as loneliness. Perhaps loneliness is just something easier to relate to.

[With a sigh, Ion sits back up, rubbing his face.]

Regardless of the reasons behind his facade...it's sad to need one in the first place, don't you think?