[He closes the book when Gene abruptly changes topics. He's a little glad for it-- these conversations with Gene leave him feeling raw, exposed. Vulnerable. It's good to talk about something practical, even if it's a reminder of his current status.
He thinks about it for a bit, pocketing his lighter in the meantime. It'd be nice to be able to do something, like Gene said. He has been going a little nuts, just sitting in his cabin, trying to keep busy but not really succeeding. On the other hand, it grates a little that this had to go through Gene. He still hasn't really gotten used to the whole thing. He's not sure what to say, and finally settles on:]
spam
He thinks about it for a bit, pocketing his lighter in the meantime. It'd be nice to be able to do something, like Gene said. He has been going a little nuts, just sitting in his cabin, trying to keep busy but not really succeeding. On the other hand, it grates a little that this had to go through Gene. He still hasn't really gotten used to the whole thing. He's not sure what to say, and finally settles on:]
I don't know how to cook. [It's not a no.]