12.2: Shiny Pens

We never return to the Darkoom after Tobias fed Benji a hot dog he stole from an unsuspecting civilian.

We return to my mansion instead, to its porch to be more specific. Jacob is sitting in front of us, shirtless, smoking and absently swinging himself on the quite uncomfortable, metal bench-swing Dad was very keen on buying years ago.

I glance at Tobias who's cradling a quiet Benji in his arms and studying me.

"Smoking won't kill him," He tells me and I make a face. "I mean," Tobias says. "Let's say he continues smoking for the rest of his life...then, what? He dies at 70? 65?"

"You never know," I tell him. "He might die at 65 but get sick at 45 or 50. So much pain, won't it be?"

Tobias shrugs slightly. "He could die before 45," is what he settles on telling me and I shake my head, saying nothing.