[The reaction isn't something he has a game plan for – he's dealt with his fair share of the cries of hanzer and crank thrown at him, the occasional person crossing the street to avoid him, the looks both pitying and fearful and disgusted all at once.

This embarassed attempt to save face is different, though, and suddenly Adam regrets even saying anything. He just kind of gestures as placatingly as he can with a wave of one hand – "don't worry about it."]

If your first thought was to comment on my height, you're fine. [A long pause. At length, he finally adds:] Where I'm from, people tend to have stronger opinions about them.

[The remark's meant to reassure Lúcio – it's the whole point of it, really – but despite himself, a hint of bitterness creeps into his tone.]