[The tone does help soften it, and Ali knows Concord is trying his best. It's true though, he's being quite direct. It makes Ali run a hand though the loose parts of his hair as he tries to think of the right words to say. Concord wants to know, but can Ali think of the words to express it?]

I feel like...kind of like a broody hen without a nest. My body's telling me what I need to do, but it's not something I can do. And there's nothing I can do but feel irritated until these weird feelings pass.

[He sighs again and pulls away from Concord.]

Besides, it's the end of the month and there's work to do. I wouldn't have time to care for an egg even if I had one.