I like the use of the crypto-language. Very experimental, and it works in this context. Also you may want to consider italics for thought – that helps distinguish.

Thanks, Mark. Unfortunately down to exactly 0 characters on this one!

Thanks, AVMW! Do you fancy writing a sequel or prequel to it?

You communicate well that awkward feeling of having to ask someone to say something a second or third time – I always feel like the bad guy, and usually just pretend to have understood them … Although I guess you can’t do that if they’re asking a question!