If the earth could swallow him and trap him in the very depths of hell, Aldous decided, it would be preferable to this moment. His options now were to be churlish and deny her aid, or paint himself the invalid in accepting it. The wizard was no fool; he knew, from a logical standpoint, that he was a cripple, but for the most part, he had adjusted. For the first time since the accident, however, Aldous now truly felt it, and it was an impotent feeling that erased any dignity he might pretend at.

His expression was of a certain resolved dread as he accepted the proffered hand after a long moment's hesitation. Aldous made the mistake of meeting her kind, pitying eyes, however fleetingly and wondered if it were genuinely possible to die of shame.