[ kaveh speaks of regret. he speaks of trying. he speaks of stubbornness as a conduit. alhaitham thinks - that he is finally moving. the quirk of alhaitham's brow is that of a conversation unto itself - assessment, observation, the recording of facts and the collating of phenomena. but it is not, in fact, judgement. there is no need for it. there has never been, not from alhaitham.

kaveh stands. the righteousness of his fury is like a burning brand. alhaitham, who has never been burned, finally puts down his plate. ]

Then, you agree, Kaveh, that stubbornness combined with persisting through a variety of options is a better use of your time and energy. [ is what he says. his hand towel cleanses his fingers; he wipes his mouth. ] As you have just demonstrated, your vocabulary has enough variety that the word 'why' is not the only question you are capable of asking, nor is it the only thought you are capable of forming. I suggest that you continue to use your vocabulary and your stubbornness to its fullest extent. After all, did you not want to try your best?

[ and then, in the selfsame tone: ] Shall I leave food here for the night for consumption later, or shall I send the platter back to the kitchen?

[ there is still, in fact, a significant amount of tahchin. ]