“ I retain information better when I read rather than take notes. ” — I answered readily, extending the book toward him. — “ Want to take a look? ”
I ventured to offer him the book I was reading, just so he would know I was doing research.
"Mmm. . . Annotation is always something you can try. I always found it much more easier to digest information, unless of course it's from the library."
She's shrugging her shoulders, moving to be seated a bit away.
"Sticky notes in pages, underlining. That sorta thing."
“ I see. ” — He remained seated but picked up the teacup with his right hand. — “ The same thing happens to me when I try to learn something new. ”
He took a careful sip of the drink.
"Hm? Oh it's nothing, really. Just the doctor in me getting worried. You have been going at it for a few hours, I must admit. Makes me think of my medical school days."
A small tug of a smile decorates her gaunt face, scar covered hands linking together as she nodded her head.
He watches her as he glances up from the book he has been reading for a couple of hours.
“ Thanks anyway. ” —— he says immediately. —— “ I was about to take a break; keeping on reading is starting to irritate me.”
There's a blink, and a small laugh underneath her seemingly hollow breath.
"I apologize, I should have knocked. Please, keep yourself hydrated. Research is important but taking care of yourself is more important."