"That . . . really didn't translate. You wanted to kiss other boys in . . . some kind of dangerous way?"

"...I don't believe the malady has other - has separate effects."

"Then, ah, what was the treatment for? Couldn't you just--look for boys who reciprocated your interest?"

"...no."

"So you were--compulsively kissing people who didn't want you to kiss them?"

"No!"

"Oh, good, I apologize for suggesting you did. But then why bother treating it?"

"So it wouldn't prevent me from leading a normal life, or infect others."

"By what mechanism? Romantic preferences aren't contagious here, and aren't more likely to interfere with life than any other hard-to-fulfill preference."

"Normal men marry women and have children."

"So was the problem that you were exclusively interested in men but wanted a partner you could have biological children with?"

"...yes."

"Huh, I don't think we have a therapy for that here; men who want kids and can't manage to fall in love with anyone compatible generally marry other men and get a surrogate. How does that work?"

"How does what work?"

"The therapy. How did you become interested in women?"

"Is this r-" He chokes a little, coughs, tries to start again but doesn't get any sound to come out.

"Are you alright?"

He nods. Clears his throat a few times.

"Do you want a bottle of water?"

Nod nod.

"I'll be right back." She disappears for a moment and returns with the water.

Which he drinks.

"So, you were saying . . . ?"

"I - is this relevant."

"If you're concerned about confidentiality, I can conceal where any new discoveries came from and keep your name out of it. But I would appreciate your telling me; there are people on this planet who have similar problems and would really benefit from effective treatment."