Kalim sighs. He knows Jamil just wants what's best for him. But... what Jamil is describing is what it's always like for him. Kalim always has to sit on the sidelines, unable to do anything about whatever happens to Jamil. The unfairness of it tangles in his chest, but he can't manage to articulate it all the way, out loud or in his head – that would mean acknowledging more about their respective positions than he can bring himself to. Instead it's just a nameless, sour feeling that makes something about what Jamil is saying feel wrong.
"Don't... don't you think it's better if I can protect myself too?" he tries. "That way, if something like that happens to us again... then even if you can't stop it, I'll still be okay."
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Kalim sighs. He knows Jamil just wants what's best for him. But... what Jamil is describing is what it's always like for him. Kalim always has to sit on the sidelines, unable to do anything about whatever happens to Jamil. The unfairness of it tangles in his chest, but he can't manage to articulate it all the way, out loud or in his head – that would mean acknowledging more about their respective positions than he can bring himself to. Instead it's just a nameless, sour feeling that makes something about what Jamil is saying feel wrong.
"Don't... don't you think it's better if I can protect myself too?" he tries. "That way, if something like that happens to us again... then even if you can't stop it, I'll still be okay."