>>Her idea of what it is like to be free was so mistaken. Far from tempting, I knew the smell would make me sick to my stomach. I knew I would be repulsed by the mere idea of toxic flames and hydrogen cyanide. <<

For some reason this insight has escaped me until now, when I see it stated this way.

I wonder what the reaction would be if your response had been brutally honest, e.g., "Actually, I'll probably be revolted."

Not good, I bet. Discretion is the better part of valor.

Terry
232 days quit