"In a literal sense I saw one or two things but I've been in this park for two days thinking about the implications of them.

I read a lot of old books and I think a few of the ones that I threw in the wastebin for being unpublishably morbid and obscure were just describing reality. I... keep thinking about random details in those, actually."

He tries to say that.

As soon as he finishes the sentence "I read a lot of old books" his mouth closes up and he can't speak.

--oh. Oh she does not like that.

...Inaaya is looking at him with an expression of horror.

Sano-- had said he'd usually seal it with magic-- she came so close to never being able to tell anyone about herself ever again--

"I, okay," she says, instead of that. "You-- don't have to tell me anything else, I get it, I know--"

She's extremely freaked out because she thinks he's either insane or dangerous or both.

"I'm sorry. I-- don't. Know why he'd do that. --I do know why he'd do that but also why would anyone do that to anyone."

"...I wasn't trying to scare you or prove anything. I don't know what to do or how to avoid it except not talking about it again."

"I know you weren't, he-- told me he'd usually use magic to guarantee people didn't spread the knowledge around--"

"Oh."

"I already know. For what that's worth. It's.... got a lot of implications, yeah."

"I hate all the implications and I don't know what to do. Though I guess I'm glad I wasn't too obvious with Terrence... I'm pretty worried about Terrence but I don't think there's many ways we could help."

"I'm not giving up on looking just yet but it's... not looking good."

Pause.

"...I did ask Sano to keep me updated on the long-term effects. I figure if someone is doing horrible science we should at least get to learn from their results."

"Well, Terrence isn't using magic, right?" he asks. "Sano said if I avoided it I'd be okay, and I read Der Wanderer, so."

"The King in Yellow's different, but-- I hope you're right, anyway."

"I remember a week ago I just thought it was a stupid and derivative play, not. This monstrous thing."

He's quiet for a moment.

"I think I need some time alone. I'm not really good around people-- lately. Anything you wanted to end with?"

"...me and Sal and Terrence are going to Clare Melford this weekend because we think we've found a lead on Roby. And I'm sorry about your shop."

"Okay. My shop's probably the most urgent problem I have in the short term but I'm finding it hard to see it that way. Apparently Terrence might help... God, despite everything he is a pretty nice guy."

He laughs weakly at the absurdity of the situation.

"Sorry you have to see me like this, Inaaya."

"'S alright. Or, clearly it's not alright, but it's not your fault. Do you want a hug, they help me sometimes."

"I don't really like being close to people recently. I'm jumpy or something-- sorry."

She nods. "Fair enough, then. Hope you feel better."

Oscar shrugs. "Hope you're safe in Clare Melford."

Probably a bad sign they didn't invite him but he's not up to it.

"Take care, Inaaya."

"...that was an invitation. If you're not up to it I understand, but--" and then she breaks off because she doesn't actually have anything else to say.

"Well, all I'm doing here is thinking about every horrifying implication of magic being real, so," Oscar says. "If you'll have me-- I'm happy to at least try to be useful."

Oh good.

She attempts a reassuring smile but she's pretty sure the attempt fails. "See you at the train station Friday, then."