“On
the contrary,” Oak declared, entering the room briskly. “You
most certainly do matter, and I must apologise if my manner has
suggested otherwise. I am older than I look, and forget that people
have feelings.”
“But
you don't believe what we've told you, do you?” I responded
sharply.
“It's
not so much that I don't believe you...” He paused for a moment.
“The human memory is an unreliable tool. You move about so much
it's hard for you to remember everything, and what you do remember is
so very subjective. Part of my role here is to question everything,
to find the right thing to do. Please,” he smiled, and it actually
felt genuine, “Please don't take it personally.” He looked round
the room quickly. “Now,” he continued, “Do you have a map of
the local area?”
