The Once-ler had been so absorbed in his thoughts that he didn't notice Skulduggery until the other man spoke. He started, staring at Skulduggery for a good few seconds as his mind struggled to come up with a reply. Skulduggery may have very well known who the Once-ler was, but the former businessman had no idea who the other man was, aside from him being a fellow patient who had trouble with basic functions and coughed up hairballs during mealtimes.

He didn't want a complete stranger to see him like this; what could he say? He'd left something very important when he was brought here? The same could be said for everyone else.

The Once-ler bent down to scoop up the cards he'd dropped, giving himself a little more time to compose himself. "Sometimes they just go flying," he replied when he sat back up, confident that he had full control of his panic. It was a good cover, he thought.

Skulduggery's net question came out of nowhere. The Once-ler narrowed his eyes slightly. "Yes...?" he answered slowly. It was a strange question, and the only reason the Once-ler could think of for asking it was one he had no intention of fulfilling.

"If you're looking for a hand-knit Thneed," he stated with a slight edge to his voice, "forget it. I'm done with them."