All of this is a part of yourself, a manifestation of your mind. This--[He takes hold of Adele's forearm with one of his damp hands]--this self-insert, this avatar is exempt from the same sort of damage simply because of its role. It's meant to confront your problems, not to wallow in or be consumed by them. To do that in this setting, it has to be fit, able and healthier than anything else in this place.

[He smiles slightly.] You want yourself to succeed, Adele. That's why you've given the 'self' you have here a fighting chance.

[Besides, he isn't suffering. Much. Not to the degree an actual person would in his condition, anyway.]