‘It’s a common enough word, but it might mean something different to you than it does to me. Language is a bastard. So let’s invent a new word. “Libb” will do. I libbed you. That’s all there is to it. I was in libb with you. My libb for you informed my every waking and sleeping hour for…for God know how many years. Nothing has ever been as powerful as that libb. It was the guiding force of my life, it haunted me then and haunts me still.’
‘You were in love with me?’
‘Well now, that’s your word. Libb has a great deal in common with love, I admit. But love is supposed to be creative, not destructive, and as you have found out, my libb turned out to be very harmful indeed.’