Quoted By:
<span class="mu-r">“Now that you mention it though, we should go a few rounds sometime. I wanna know what you picked up from the streets.”</span> you said, wondering how your new fighting technique would measure up to someone with your same base powerset.
<span class="mu-r">“But anyways,”</span> you continued. <span class="mu-r">“How’ve you been, man? I feel like I haven’t heard from you in ages. How’re you holding up?”</span>
<span class="mu-b">“Better now. But that might be because Sable’s people and the police are stepping up to deal with petty crimes and the occasional Z and D Listers that pop up every now and again. And the Bootleg Avengers aren’t doing a terrible job, either. They need a little help here and there, but I expected worse after Doom trashed the city.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“That’s great, Abe. But asked how <span class="mu-s">you</span> were doing, not the city.”</span>
<span class="mu-b">“The city’s well-being has a lot to do with how I feel, though. Haven’t I ever told you how my power works?”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“Not in great detail, no.”</span>
<span class="mu-b">“Hm. Well, you know how I can sense the emotions of those around me, right?”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“Right.”</span>
<span class="mu-b">“Well, their emotions don't just wash over me. Not always, at least. Think of it like a strong adhesive. Once they stick to me, I can peel them away, but there’s still a bit of that sticky residue gunk left behind. With a bit of effort, I can get it off, but there are some days where I feel like I carry a little piece of everyone I run into. Everyone I save, everyone I fight…it affects me in small ways, and I’m trying to pay more attention to that.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“Damn. How’re you dealing with that?”</span>
<span class="mu-b">“Webb gives me a cursory psychic CAT scan whenever she sees me, and if she ever sees me struggling, she recommends me to a psychiatrist she knows.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“Does it help?”</span>
<span class="mu-b">“Sometimes. Not always. I’ve been trying to follow some of her advice. I’ve been going out more, and I’ve taken up a few hobbies. You should try it sometime.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“Hey! I’ve got lots of hobbies.”</span>
<span class="mu-b">“Making license plates in the slammer doesn’t count, bro.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“But what if I’m really good at it? Maybe I should enter a competition.”</span>
<span class="mu-b">“There’s always someone better. And if you lose, I don’t think our ego could take it. I might even have to go back to therapy.”</span>
You shared a chuckle at that.
<span class="mu-r">“Well, I’m glad that you’re doing better. Does your therapist know about…everything?”</span>
<span class="mu-b">“Not everything. I’ve been holding out on her for some of the more critical details, and she’s smart enough to know that, but she doesn’t call me on it. In her mind, I probably just have some deep-rooted family issues.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“You know I’ll be here if you ever need to talk, right?”</span> you said.
<span class="mu-b">“I know. I know. Ms. Kafka thinks I’ve got an easier time helping others instead of solving my own shit. And she’s probably right.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“No, she’s definitely right. We’ve got problems, bro.”</span>
(Cont.)
