[ it’s confusing and scary to hear amos mention his “old life” as something separate from how he lives now; tony isn’t ready to let go of that, even if he’s chosen zenith. even so, everything else is steady and reassuring—at least, insofar as amos seems so sure of what he’s saying that tony can take heart that someone knows what’s going on.

no, he can’t see himself deferring to yima in the way that amos does, but he can try to imagine what jomy would want for him. ]

I’ve never been without him. I…

[ there’s hesitation on his side, too. he doesn’t know why he’s telling amos this, when amos is just some guy that’s been nice to him. they’re not friends, and he’s not even a fellow mu. ]

I had to grow up. When my planet was destroyed, Grandpa needed my help. So I forced myself into this body, but… [ he’s not an adult, but neither is he a child anymore. he’s just lonely. ] This is the first time I’ve ever been away from him.