"But trust is something that has to be built up. And I think, my tower broke. A while ago."

"How did it break? Did someone break it, or did you?"

"Both."

"It was him, huh."

"Both he and I." He broke it with his actions. I broke it with my own will.

"Have you tried fixing it?"

"It's beyond repair. It's like several bombs dropped on it and the walls all fell in. The ceiling is gone and has crumbled to dust. And there's no door now." No entry.

The bars of light settle upon the carpet, lapping at Ichi's toes. I drop my hands and fiddle with my fingertips.

Then his voice breaks the quiet.

"No one said that it had to be built from the same foundation."

My fingers stop. "Not the same foundation?"

"Exactly. Just build another tower from scratch. And from new materials, even."

Suddenly an odd sensation grips me. And, without a thought, I blurt.

"How about you help me build it."