[ the thoughts and feelings hit oddly close to home. the idea of feeling like a burden, not wishing to be hated...isn't that just how he's felt this past month and a half? ]

I know what that's like. [ he takes a cigarette out, lighting it and pausing to have a puff. when he exhales, it comes out in a small wisp of smoke. ] Maybe not the same way as you, but all I've done is cause 'em trouble. Honestly, I wonder how they haven't tossed me aside, yet.

But...they still consider me as a friend. Maybe 'cause friendship is helping others when they think they need it or because we're beating ourselves up more than we should, or maybe both. I don't know. But I don't think you should question their friendship. Maybe you should just try and accept things as they are.

[ maybe i should, too. ]

[ he sighs, pausing once more to take another puff from the cigarette. ] And as for me, you're no burden. I've gotten my leg broken trying to help someone, so trust me, I'm good.