Ria found herself growing more and more sympathetic to Sternon's story. She also felt guilty about feeling anguish about her own situation when she thought about what he must have gone through in his life as a member of the Evolutionary Army. They were so bad that she couldn't help but feel like a spoiled little child throwing a tantrum in comparison.
She didn't even remotely have it bad in comparison to someone like Sternon, who had been through hell and back. Runark was in the same boat as her, although he didn't profess to feeling as much anguish about their situation in life as much she did.
Hearing his story made her resolve to tell her parents that she loved them and was grateful for everything that they had done for her.
"Well, now you're free, so you don't have to feel bad," Ria smiled at him warmly.
Sternon's eyes softened. "Thanks. I appreciate that. It's been a while since someone spoke to me kindly."
