There is, [ he agrees readily. ] Strength is using your capabilities to do good.
[ Harold sounds even, assured. He has doubts about many things -- about the trustworthiness of the Machine, about his own decisions, about the infinite potential for abuse when humans are put in positions of power and authority -- but he has no doubts about John. If Harold is the center of gravity that John orbits around, then John is his constant, a variable he doesn't need to solve for. The one that lets him solve the rest of the equation instead. ]
If we didn't have moments of weakness, there'd be nothing remarkable about when we're strong.
[ A momentary pause as he sips his tea. Based on this exchange and John's lack of familiarity with Rilke, he has a thought. ]
May I see the poem I left you the other day? [ He trusts that he still has it; Harold doesn't even have to ask. ]
no subject
[ Harold sounds even, assured. He has doubts about many things -- about the trustworthiness of the Machine, about his own decisions, about the infinite potential for abuse when humans are put in positions of power and authority -- but he has no doubts about John. If Harold is the center of gravity that John orbits around, then John is his constant, a variable he doesn't need to solve for. The one that lets him solve the rest of the equation instead. ]
If we didn't have moments of weakness, there'd be nothing remarkable about when we're strong.
[ A momentary pause as he sips his tea. Based on this exchange and John's lack of familiarity with Rilke, he has a thought. ]
May I see the poem I left you the other day? [ He trusts that he still has it; Harold doesn't even have to ask. ]