Dias wanted to clarify, but he wasn't even sure how clear he could be. He could hardly focus anymore - most of his vision had faded to grey in any case, so there wasn't much to focus on - and all sounds were muted and seemed to be coming from a great distance; his very lips felt numb. "My life's the only one I had the right to decide on." That was the best he could do; if there was anything more to say, it would have to go unsaid.

Still, two last words found their way to his lips, largely unbidden by his conscious mind. "Cecille...mother..."