（ those red eyes close in a brief blink, more surprised than necessary. people do not usually seek to establish camaraderie with him in that way. his silence is more thoughtful than reluctant — he is well aware how most people respond to his world's culture, and even in his years aboard the ximilia he has not learned to shoulder pity.
his lips part, and press closed again.
then: ）
From the time I was seven, until my death at twenty-one.
（ it is cleaner than simply saying fourteen years and risking the chance of them asking his current age and doing the math that will lead them to a doleful look and questions about whether or not he is okay. ）
no subject
his lips part, and press closed again.
then: ）
From the time I was seven, until my death at twenty-one.
（ it is cleaner than simply saying fourteen years and risking the chance of them asking his current age and doing the math that will lead them to a doleful look and questions about whether or not he is okay. ）