"Don’t tell me you’re giving up on treatment just because everyone’s got issues?" I asked.

"As if you could treat it!" She paused, then suddenly widened her eyes, leaned forward, and asked curiously, "Can you really treat it?"

It was phrased as a question, yet every pore screamed: I don’t believe you.

"Give it a try," I smiled. "I’ll keep my distance so I don’t gross you out."