It's funny, though. I keep thinking that I am used to it, but every time someone leaves, it still takes me by surprise.

[He slumps slightly, rubbing the back of his neck.]

I always thought maybe it'd be better to just accept it, but you know what? I think you're right. Growing apathetic here won't make things feel better. And I feel like if I avoided friendships just because they might disappear, I'd just end up feeling lonely.

[With another flick of the wrist, he sends a third stone across the water-- this one actually skips, too!]

The hardest part's dealing with all the uncertainty this place brings. When people leave, they usually forget all about this place, and I don't want to feel like our time here means nothing.

[And he knows that some people have developed that mindset, too. For some people, the constant roulette's just too much to bear, so, all things considered, he could be a whole lot worse.

Having Mickey's company certainly helps.]