"Concern for others does you credit," Zechs said, a little more stern. "But not when it'll risk them, or yourself, because you grow negligent."

Zechs' tone was still calm even as he gave the boy this mild reprove. "Focus on what you can do for them. And, I do mean focus. If you consider all the ways you can do nothing for them - you'll create a self-fulfilling prophesy where you fail."