"I suppose you wouldn't be surprised to learn the sentiment is mutual," Leonard replies, biting the words like tin foil. "I'm at rather a disadvantage here and you're only worsening that for me."

He straightens the straps of his knapsack and squares his shoulders. He has need to return to the beach.

"Don't follow me, and don't bother me, Washington. I will steer clear of you, and you steer clear of me, from now on."

He has one thing remaining with which to defy Washington and that's his dignity. He turns to go back where he came from.