Malcolm smiled, just a tiny upturn at the corners of his mouth.

“It’s dark in here,” he acknowledged. “But that particular memory… I see it almost every time I close my eyes. Seeing it isn’t… some sort of jarring reminder. I live in that moment.” His smile grew wider, softer. “I’m okay. I promise.” As okay as he ever is. “I just need something to take the edge off of bad days. I’ll be careful.”