One way to respond is to say "I don't know" and follow up with thinking. Another way is to present experience as fact. Comments

You scooped up loose fragments of bone—perhaps a coyote or maybe a domestic dog—"I don't know enough about the world," I said, and took your hand. First thought always clouding the surface. "Intense interest and sexual attraction are not the same thing." You furrowed your brow and the debate continued in quiet. All along the skyline, the blank page of the clouds outstretched like a hand. The naked sagebrush did not bend with the wind. We stood there for some time. Then you tilted your head, indicating down the road. Going forward could only be a metaphor, and our shadows pointed east.
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