Autor frowns again, clearly disapproving of Bones' interrogation into his personal choices. "I met people here who offered a new definition of cruelty," he says. "For the most part, animals can't fight back, and yet we still kill them, and eat them. They may as well be toddlers"--no don't think don't think it was already dead--"for all they understand."

Then he winces, pulling a knee up to his chest. "Ah, please don't tell Sunshine about my diet. I'll never hear the end of it."