[ Finally, with a twitch of his lips that hint at his reluctance: ]

Yes. I was close with her. She was the most un-Vorrutyer Vorrutyer one could ever meet, which is high praise, believe me.

[ I thought the stars shone in her eyes. ]

And we were always allies whenever our cousins came over and got to playing their more sadistic games.

[ I learned to be loud and obnoxious so they'd notice me instead of her. ]

Say, do you consider yourself a bit of a sadist? You seem like it.