I hear Matt approach before I hear his voice, and that steady tapping against the ground actually sets me at ease. If there's anyone I know who I think probably won't judge beyond reason, it's Matt. (Not that I have much of a reason to expect everyone else to judge, but you never know. I guess I just expect Matt to be able to react calmly to everything. Not for the first time, I wish I knew more about him.)

"That'd be me," I reply airily, hoping I don't stink overly much. I've been staying out of the sun, but the porcelain god's seen me once or twice today.