[brooding, valid... Itsuki knows that if he sits down, then he might never stand up again.

Itsuki takes a moment to collect the words, then]

We were at the back alley. We saw... mice. [me visibly closing my eyes] They were wearing clothes, and they ran out from the trash at us.

I don't know about Damien and me, but Hot Pants could have withstood them for sure, but we were all just thrown right out.