( he feels bad for nanashi for asking; it seems a shame for a kid his age to be so troubled.

leaning back in his chair, he takes a sip of his drink. )

Well, I'd left home before I ever entered high school, more or less. It's a bit hypocritical of me, I suppose, to say to break down your problems when I'd gone and done that, but . . . Sometimes I suppose it isn't wrong to leave, if there's something brighter over the horizon.

Are you happier now?

( now that he's homeschooled, that is )