"You want to punish yourself," he said with a wave of his hand, taking lead to quieter pastures. "And when they do not, that invalidates your self-flagellation. You doubt your punishment, doubt your path."

At last, a reprieve: a narrow corridor lacking the crowds they had witnessed moments ago. Chilton turned to Mick, a slight frown on his face.

"They have no bearing on your treatment, Mick."