190 Almost There

My question clearly caught him off-guard, as I felt him twitch ever so slightly. I suppose I could've picked a more natural topic … and I wondered if I had made my intention too obvious. But if an unnatural topic meant diverting his attention more successfully, then it was just as well.

"You didn't have a name," he replied almost guiltily. "And you didn't want me to give you one …"

I stared at him, bewildered. I never had a name in my past life? As if sensing my shock, he added, "Though it didn't turn out necessary anyway. There was no one else in this hall, so it was quite obvious who I was talking to."

"There's no one else in this hall these days either," I glared at him, "but I still like hearing my name in your voice."