Soldat used to feel like that. Sometimes, they still do. Right now, they're too tired to be anything but genuine. "That's kind, Otoha. I'm fine, though, promise. This is normal for me."

The toasting oven dings, and they reach over to pluck the toast out and onto their plate. There's butter and jam waiting to be spread on, but they debate actually doing it for a second, weighing the appeal of instant calories verses tastier calories. "Why did you flip out?"