"Yes," X says, nodding. "I don't think she's ever wanted a friend, which is tough, because I know she has them. But..." He sighs, running a hand through his hair. "I think any chance of my being one of them might have ended earlier this month. She needs this, and I'm not sure she'll accept it from me. That's where your help would come in."

If there is anything more to it than that, X sure doesn't seem embarrassed or ashamed.

Dead sea animal parts. He laughs. "Jellyfish, or octopuses?"