"Yeah," Leon agrees, going a little distant as he thinks that over. He hadn't really thought all that deeply about it, but it makes a lot of sense, in a way. "I guess I'm just glad that things being tough looks like it's brought people together here, instead of tearing them apart."

All too easy to lash out when you're so used to being afraid that you forget how not to be.

"Seriously, though, thanks for all this. I know it's your job, but - you're good at it. It means a lot." He smiles again, subdued but warm.