There's no delay as Prior cups a flame around Kyle's cigarette. By and far, the general sentiment surrounding cigarettes in his time does suggest asthma can be exacerbated by things like tobacco smoke, but it's the same health system that turns around to sell "asthma cigarettes" as a medicinal aid. It means nothing to Prior, of course — he'd rather no go without even if he has before.

"How else to feel closer to God than harness every excuse for self-flagellation?" Prior huffs and out comes a puff of smoke that disburses around his head. "I might rather prefer that over abstaining otherwise."