No, it doesn't exactly hurt, but if I gather too much...well, it tends to pop or explode, and it's kind of blinding. [ She speaks in an aside he can probably hear. ] Maybe if I practice while wearing sunglasses...?

[ She also looks at the pen. ] Haven't you ever thrown something in frustration? Maybe it was the only thing he had.

[ She takes the pen, some understanding crossing her features. ]

And you think you might be responsible for this? Or make things worse?