A flicker of happiness was better, far better than a serious bout of depression.

"Aye. At least someone's happy." I'd never experience love, or even compassion. Here I was, badly scarred and emotionally broken. Who could I turn to for support, when everyone I knew was gone for good? "We can't always expect something bad to happen then not have something good afterwards." Which is called karma, at least the dynamic version I stick to. Celes and Spruce together and a strengthening of bonds could defeat anything. Kamina's enthusiasm even sounded morale-boosting. I felt like I belonged again...

For a brief second. I stuck to my head, where everything I knew was bitter and sad within one day. It was as if someone had returned from some amazing party, realising at the end of the day he still has nowhere to live. My fake smile hid my true emotions, how I would eventually snap one day and unfortunately lash out at my friends... it was inevitable that my frustrations would grow to breaking point.

It certainly didn't mean I couldn't try to raise the bar. I'd reach the point where I would have a breakdown, but I could always try to keep the bar as high as possible. For the sake of my current friends.

"Well... let's get going. Love's not that powerful." I was supposed to chuckle as I finished the sentence, but... I kinda realised how realistic it was.