[he doesn't particularly care for it, having his own attitude thrown back in hid face. but she isn't wrong; he preferred to be objective. pragmatic. efficient.

there was nothing efficient about this. he really should just leave. but he lingers, against better judgment. he chooses to stay, against better judgment, because monika was a nightmare and a hot mess but he wasn't faring too well on that front either. the world was full of human beings, but much like monika, they always felt so far away.

but she's trying. they both are. and that has to count for something.]

I've made mistakes. But recognizing them and forging ahead anyway... there's nothing more human than that.

[as her hand drifts to the table, his hand shifts to rest over it. fingers curling around her knuckles.]

I can't reprogram you. Not really. I think it's something you'll have to learn for yourself.

[and that too was utterly human: stumbling through life's lessons and getting right back up again.]