21 classes - 2 (1/2)
”Karsworp province is in the central region. Entirely landlocked. We can fly, but we'll be driving. Much easier,” Pratt said, making a face at Dia.
Dia said nothing, like she hadn't heard Pratt. She wasn't looking at me either.
Pratt was ready to explain, but Jerry beat him.
”She's scared of flying.”
Dia immediately shot back.
”I'm not scared. Merely uncomfortable. Everyone has their zones of comfort and areas of discomfort. It's not such a big deal.”
I wanted to agree, but I wasn't given the chance.
”True,” Jerry agreed. ”Everyone does have zones of comfort and areas of discomfort. Your area of discomfort is flying.”
”And beyond a certain level, discomfort is fear,” Pratt picked up immediately after. ”So, you are afraid of flying. Not terrified, but definitely afraid.”
”Is there a difference?” Jerry asked.
”Of course, there is,” Pratt answered. ”Isn't it so, Dia?”
Dia remained expressionless. I couldn't look away from her. Jerry and Pratt weren't looking at all at her, even as Pratt asked the question.
”Why don't you just go on to explain?” Jerry asked.
Pratt made an exaggerated display of reluctance before explaining.
”Afraid is having fear, which shows as hesitation. Terrified is having such great fear that it freezes. So, Dia is afraid. She can talk about flying. If she was terrified, she wouldn't be able to even consider it as an idea.”
”You just made that up.”
”No I didn't. You can ask anyone. Any professional doctor. He or she would say the same thing. Maybe even praise me for how well I put it. So.”
”So?”
”So, no, I didn't make it up. Stop being deliberately so slow.”
”I'm not deliberate. And I'm not slow. Don't you forget, we're having this discussion for the sake of our little ignorant Dean.”
The two turned to look at me, but saw Dia first. And froze.
They were terrified. I saw the difference.
”You're right Pratt,” I said.
But he was in no place to accept the appreciation.
”Please, don't stop on my account,” Dia said slowly.
Neither of the two continued. They couldn't even smile. Clearly, they wanted to escape. But they simply couldn't move.