IC Inbox (penance)

[hypoxic]

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[red_song]

Query. If a human body leaks from the optical sockets, does this indicate a critical system failure?

[hypoxic]

[This could be about crying or bleeding and that alone has him replying faster than usual.]

Describe the fluid.

[Proto, what did you do?]

[red_song]

Clear fluid. Viscosity seems on par with water. Is it perhaps a leak in cooling systems?

[hypoxic]

[Annnd exhale. It's good to know that Proto hasn't given himself an aneurysm.]

That sounds like a perfectly natural process. We call it "crying". There are a variety of causes of it. If you're leaking in a small amount, there might be a small irritant in your eyes. The eyes produce tears as a natural lubricant to cleanse themselves.

However, crying is also a response to illness or emotional distress. The chemical composition of that liquid is different in both of those cases.

[red_song]

Could illness lead to crying and restricted vocal patterns?

[hypoxic]

Potentially. The common cold is a virus that causes an overload of mucus to flow the sinus cavity and sometimes this can result in swelling of the throat and tear ducts.

Have you been feeling unwell lately?

Those symptoms might also coincide with a body temperature that's higher than normal.

[red_song]

It is not me. It is my brother.

[hypoxic]

The weapon? Did he try to harm you?

[red_song]

Rock is nowhere near as good as I in a fight. I'm fine.

[hypoxic]

Fine enough to tend to him while he's crying?

Did this begin after he lost a fight between the two of you?

[red_song]

Not a physical confrontation.

[hypoxic]

[Ah. There it is.]

Did you hurt his feelings, by any chance?

[red_song]

Yes. I believe so.

[hypoxic]

In that case, crying is warranted and natural. It should pass on its own.

[red_song]

He is concerned.

[hypoxic]

He's most likely upset. If he's like you are, it might be frightening to have an involuntary bodily function.

Think about how you would feel if you were in his place.

[red_song]

I will never be in his place.

[hypoxic]

Most likely not. But if you want to understand someone else's suffering, it can be a helpful thought exercise to consider their experiences as if they were happening to you. An "if" statement, not a "when" statement.

>> If you found yourself in a position of stress and suddenly began to leak in ways you could not explain, then _____________

Solve for the variable.

[red_song]

I have not been put into this position.

[hypoxic]

But you potentially could in the future. You are equally capable of leaking.

[red_song]

No. This will not happen.

[hypoxic]

How can you be certain?

[red_song]

I have no reason to leak.

[hypoxic]

[Well that is objectively not true, Proto.]

And you think you never will?

[red_song]

Never ever will.