Another pause, but this time to consider how to answer. He didn't think River meant anything by asking, but the reminder that he had been having troubled, and why, caused a spike in the gist's movements, and his chest felt warm.

"There is someone here whom I do not like," he said at last, "and it is making life difficult for me."

'It', not them. The dislike, not the person. Although the person certainly was as well.