Emily was glad that she asked her questions when she did, because hearing Luka start to voice his defense almost caused her to laugh. 

"[I]Was Luka's defense really going to be an equivalent to 'I'm louder and dumber than the typical Frat Boy!'?[/I]" She couldn't help but briefly wonder to herself. 

Regardless, she does listen as Luka answers her questions. When he mentioned the number of parties he hosted, her eyebrows rose. She felt tired just hearing that he hosts that many parties. But that also proved her point about him being a Frat Boy. Seventeen parties total for the Christmas and New Year...! 

She listens quietly and intently as he lists his skills; His charisma and skills in martial arts that were developed by an actor weren't as promising as his organization skills and his ability to improvise. However, the fact that he is keen on using the Indy Ploy is concerning, especially considering their situation now, where they will need plan things out effectively to survive. At this point, she would have to hope that Luka doesn't get them killed.

Then came Luka's answer about aspirations. She has been paying attention to his expressions, and she sees how his smile didn't reach his eyes. His answer gave voice to her darker thoughts when it came to aspirations. She isn't sure whether she is understanding how he feels, or if she's just projecting her own emotions onto his answer, but either way she drew the same conclusion from that answer:

[I]He was trying to give up on his hopes and dreams! Because something horrible happened when he tried to pursue them![/I]

Before she could even answer in agreement, she felt a different part of herself make its appearance in her own mind and emotions. It felt like a fire within her heart!

[I]No...that's not right! This sort of thing is why I want to become a writer...! Stories encouraged me to keep trying, to keep going in my life! I want my stories to be that light for others too...![/I]

She sighed through her nose, as she thought over her answer to Luka. Her expression had significantly softened as she listened to his words about how nothing would change if he died when he was a child. Her voice is less judgmental and more pensive as she simply states, "I see..." 

She looks around at the Christmas decorations, and she recalls a favorite factoid. She hoped that bringing it up would change the discussion to a more lighthearted topic for a brief moment, while still being relevant. A small smile crosses her face as she speaks, "You know...there's evidence that the contrary is possible. It's all around us right now," She nods towards the Christmas decorations all around them. 

She figured he wouldn't understand what she meant, so she informs him, 

"Did you know that Christmas used to be a minor holiday that not many people celebrated? That changed after Charles Dickens wrote 'A Christmas Carol'. That particular story has not only caused the holiday to become popular, but it also became a cultural force that changed the world for the better. And guess what? That story was published in 1843. That's more than 100 years ago, and we still remember the author's name and that story," 

She isn't sure if that fact would impress Luka as it impressed her, so she decided to keep it brief. She sighed, "...Sorry for the tangent. But do you understand what I'm saying? Consider me a Jacob Marley at this moment... 

You are a Frat Boy now, but you can change for the better. Wealth, Appearances, even your physical and mental capabilities will fade in time if you do nothing," 

[I]....Why am I even saying all of this? Why am I trying to help him? He may not even listen to me...[/i]