No, you're right. The past stays the same. It's the perspective with which we look back on it that changes. Talking with others can give us the strength to do that—to share our thoughts so we're not caught up thinking the same ones all the time.

( noctis doesn't need a reason to feel the way he does. none of them do. some have it better and some have it worse, but that doesn't make kaladin's feelings inconsequential because a man named noril lived a worse nightmare. whatever journey noctis is on is his own, unique to him.

the same is true about his suffering. )

When I'm alone, it seems as though I'd be doing the world a favour if I weren't in it. But when I meet with those who have felt that, too, I'm reminded it's a passing thing. That there's an ebb and flow to even our most hopeless nights. Life won't always feel that way, because if I've felt good before, I'll feel good again.

( his fingers, loosely laced, twist and tighten until his knuckles are white. it is the act of repetition that he practices now, telling himself repeatedly that he's qualified to talk to noctis this way. that he isn't being presumptive, and his interest in how noctis feels is good—not harmful.

despite his outward confidence, he has to hide hands that shake. and that's okay, too. )

I'm still learning... I don't know how to say what I must say to move forward, so I don't have any advice to give. All I know is that we're human, Noctis. We need each other.