Chapter 20
"So, Vince, I'm going to ask you some questions and I'd like you to answer them as honestly as you can. Do you think you can do that?" I nod, slightly annoyed that this stranger is talking to me as though I'm a toddler. "Good. Now, is there anything you'd like to ask me before we start?" After a moment of thought, I reply.
"Why are you here? Talking to me?" He looks slightly surprised by the question.
"Well, I know I've only met you a few times before, but I'm a good friend of Naboo's. He cares about you, and, though it may seem unlikely, so do I."
"Care about me? You hardly know me!"
"Be that as it may, I still care." I don't respond. "Do you mind if we begin?"
"No." He smiles.
"Thank you. Do you live here?" I'm confused by how obvious the question seems.
"Yes." He smiles again.
"Who do you live with?" I almost roll my eyes. Does he think I'm a toddler?
"Howard, Naboo and Bollo."
"Oh yes, I believe I've met Howard. Naboo and Bollo I know, obviously."
"Obviously."
"Have any of those people ever done anything to harm you?"
"What?" I ask, outraged.
"Has Howard, Naboo or Bollo ever done anything to deliberately harm you in any way?" His voice is infuriatingly calm.
"No, of course not!"
"Vince, there's no need to shout. I need to ask these questions, but if you don't want to answer any of them, just say."
"Ok." I mutter. He smiles again.
"Good. Naboo tells me you've been having some trouble with food lately?"
"And?"
"Could you tell me about it?"
"I just don't like food."
"Do you really think that's all it is?"
"I don't know. There might be something else, but I don't know what."
"Ok. You've been having some self- harm problems as well?" I hesitate this time.
"Yes…"
"Do you feel comfortable telling me about it?"
"There's not much to tell, really. Cutting. It started the same time as the food problems."
"Ok. Naboo told me about your family." I can see him studying me while he says this. "Is that alright?"
"I suppose so." His face lights up.
"Good, I'm glad. Is there anything you want to ask before I get Naboo?" I shake my head. "Ok then." He disappears downstairs into the shop.