"Oh good. It seems like we all have one of those," Jack says ruefully, remembering his own nihilistic monster phase in his youth. "But it is good to grow out of them. And to be careful." He gives her shoulder a little pat, careful of the tail. "I was trying to get to the pool that direction--" He gestures. "--when the cat-person found me. Want to walk with me the rest of the way?"

They can wash off the blood at least.