[ Despite the subject matter, Matt can't help a little huff of amusement. It comes through in communion as a brief brightening, a quick-blooming, quick-fading light. ]

I appreciate that you try not to lie to me, [ he says, sincerely but with a hint of teasing. He sobers up quickly as he contemplates the rest of what Paul's said, however. Maybe it's just the way Paul has of phrasing things, but this is the first time Matt's wondered if maybe he's been making the pain the point, in reverse. It could be a good thing--or at least what someone rationally wants for themselves--to ease into oblivion by degrees. If Matt believes in the right to euthanasia, which he does, he doesn't really have grounds to oppose any masochistic religious practice. So maybe his misgivings are just his association with pain or injury as "bad," the association he's trying to unlearn. ]

I think I understand what you're saying, [ he murmurs after a moment. ] The pain isn't the point. Just rebirth.

But birth is, you know ... famously painful.