Felix shook his head vehemently, his eyes shut tight to block out the sight of the water rising. The metallic smell of the Sim surrounds him, even though the water, in reality less than an inch deep on the floor, smells more like chlorine. Maybe if he ignores it hard enough, it will all go away, and the phoenix will go away and quit being angry at him.

The bright shape suspects him of something, and he knows it's right, though the why of that is lost somewhat.

"I can't. I'm sorry."