I dunno. I mean, I think I got it at first. He must've been confused and disoriented. I brushed it off when he said I looked like a short potato. [ Said with love, Strax. ] When he didn't know my name, I told myself things must be jumbled in his head. Then it just never really got any better. It was like he tolerated me.

[ And then he left her with the mechanical man. Whatever happens next, she doesn't know. River's suggested it works out, but for how long? And does this—will this—interlude change things? Clara rubs her face and draws her knees up to her chest, leaning back against the headboard. ]

I blurted. That's what I did. [ She watches Red, and a question pops into her head. ]

How did you pick your name? Red, I mean.