He winced slightly as the sliver was taken out. A small drop of blood the size of a grapefruit welled up where the shard had been.

John tried to answer her first question. He'd been about to wave his hand again as he tended to do while speaking, but he managed to hold himself still and stave off more accidents for the time being. The congressman was apologizing for all the trouble he'd put her through, but for his attitude as well. It was just frighting to discover that you have no place to sleep, would have to spend half your day eating tiny amounts of food so as to not starve, and that your significant other could fit in your waistcoat pocket.