ZEX still looked wounded somewhat, hurt, even though he wasn't aware of how much of that showed on his face. The thought of it all being a lie was so painful, but the thought of willingly believing a fantasy instead of facing reality, he could not do that.

His human thought he was dead, ZEX had had to convince him of his identity at first, that he was who he said he was. Had he simply altered his human's delusions, persuaded him to incorporate him back in again? He felt like he was choking.

ZEX was willing to hold on to him in return, get some warmth from him, although it didn't put any of his troubled thoughts to rest. It was still difficult to speak.

"I... had a visitor today." ZEX paused, again struggling for words. He leaned closer to him, his voice a weak whisper. "I'm... worried."