Nobody said it'd be easy, and anyone who did was lying. Accomplishing something all on his own might make him feel less hollow and teach him his own worth. Real worth, not just his parents' bank accounts.

"If you say so." She doesn't believe him, but he might believe himself. It's an attitude she knows too well. She remembers the hollow ache in her heart that she tried to fill by stuffing all her unwanted feelings in it and covering it over with scars and acid barbs for anyone who got too close. She's still not impressed with him, but now she feels some sympathy.

"...you want some coffee? My treat."