He was glad to hear his remark about the questions' difficulty wasn't taken the wrong way. Not that it was likely to be - Sasha seemed like the type of person who had a sincere kind word and thought for just about everyone. For a moment, even the chilly aura around her wasn't so much a distraction, as it was a soothing feeling. Then another moment. And another.
But there was the big question. He didn't discuss it with anyone in San Fran, because he felt nobody really cared (which he could understand and respect) or if someone did, it was for all the wrong reasons.
"Well, since I brought it up, I can as well tell you. It was my wife. I worked at an IT company and lost that job because of my own laziness and irresponsibility. We had a newborn son and a mortgage to pay, but all I did fter that was wallowing in self-pity. That's where I was replaced in her life by my... evil twin. After I was back from the woods I found them, well-off and happy, in fact happier than I've ever seen her. It didn't feel right to spoil it, even if I knew she was living a lie. So I ran all the way to the Bay, got a new life. Never imagined I'd be back, but here I am, trying to make things a little better than I've found them. Trying not to let people down."
So there it was, the short version of his life's story, containing all of the important facts, though. He was ready to receive judgment and a sentence.
"I was a coward. I think I still am. But I'm working on it, and I think it's got to count for something."
He had a thoughtful expression on his face, marveling at the way this conversation took such personal route. And then the Dancer's anser came.
Damn, talk about personal.
"Can I ask why? If you don't want to talk about it, that's fine and understandable, I just want to understand you better. If you suspect where she might be I could ask around, help you find her."
ooc