"That is what you have to say to me? How long has it been?"
But all the old man was met with was silence, and he sighed.
"But why am I asking? Knowing you, you wouldn't say anything to me. You'll just keep silent, always, again, over and over again. Valeric, why? Why did you become this way? Why did you become like that? You're strong, you shouldn't be this way. Speak. Say something to me.
Valeric asked, "What do you want from me?"
"That same question again?"
The old man groaned, and he could be seen uncrossing his legs from behind the curtain. The hum of warmth drew sluggishly through his veins, and he interlocked his fingers, gazing fixedly at the dim light above the ceiling. "Will you tell me what you've done, or should I say it myself?"
Again, it was all silence from Valeric.
"Fine," the voice pressed on relentlessly. "You got a wife, didn't you?"