[Rich lets out a snort that doesn't exactly have a lot of humour in it, and offers a wry smirk.]

Putting up a front is the only thing I'm good at, you know. Easier to just say you're fine until you believe it. I mean, even if you don't, everyone around you does, so then they don't have to worry more.

I got a SQUIP so I could put up a front. It's the same thing now, I guess.

[Did he really learn anything?]