Can't, [ he says, ] even in my world. Either you're born like this, or you're not.

[ but he doesn't dwell on that line of thought -- wouldn't have anyway, but the next thing she says is so strange and unexpected that he actually stares at her for a beat before reacting. then it happens: the slow spread of a disbelieving smile, and a laugh, shaking his head. wow. ]

Whatever you think you saw? You got the wrong idea.