[ Making a fuller apology, one that clearly need not be made, given Bastien's cheerful engagement with the question: ]

I know, I know. This is like talking to - Do you recall Rafael, that student who'd hang around with us? Always questions like this. Insufferable.

[ Then: ]

It's hard to say, at times. It's like you said, isn't it - We might make decisions, but the world around us will compensate. Things will happen even if we step back from them.