Tsuchi put his hands down on the windowsill and undid the catch. Then, as though casting out his awkwardness, opened the window. He leaned out and inhaled some air. He had calmed people exactly as his friend had said, from the thuggish to the benign. It was odd and a marvel.

His hair blew as he took a downward peek. "I guess so," he said rather distractedly. "I think we should just stop struggling for an explanation and just roll with it."