I felt exhilarated. I was not accustomed to voicing my gut feelings. I turned to Sal. ("No, old friend, I'm not trying to steal your power.") I said, "You have gotten a little paranoid over the past few years. I hope you can work it out."
He frowned.
I turned to Donna. ("Are you still planning to marry Rama?") I said, "I have no problem with you."
She nodded.
I turned to Paul. ("What's the penguin doing on the tehlee?") I said, "We are friends."
He grinned.
"In other words," Rama interrupted, "you have Paul wrapped around your finger. You have learned much." His twisted compliment threw me off balance, and I failed to defend the seven-year friendship.
I turned to my brother. ("Love ya, bro.") I said, "I am not attacking you in the Dream Plane."
"Oh no?" Rama interrupted again.
"I'm not conscious of it."