[ This is the wrong audience for these particular words of wisdom. That's obvious before Krouse even opens his mouth again, his expression shifting into the politely shuttered door of someone who's deciding not to hear what's being said to him.

It's because he knows Vincent is right. It's a good way to live. Saner, safer, easier. Probably the only rational way to live, instead of refusing to accept the hard barrier of 'can't' for the reality it is. ]

How do you know what you can't do unless you try it, though? That's always been my issue with that line of thinking. Doesn't it strike you as a little defeatist?

[ There's a tang like ozone on defeatist, the sizzling aftershock of a lightning strike. He's never been a quitter. A lot of other things, but not that. ]

I guess it depends on whether or not you think being happy is the most important thing a person can do with their life. If you don't try, you don't fail, you don't feel bad about it. I can see that.

[ He knows he's being a fucking dick right now. Once upon a time, that wouldn't have kept him from talking. But - he takes a breath, his eyes creasing at the corners in a faint wince. ]

...I can see it. [ He says, quieter. ] It sounds like it's easier than what I grew up around. More humane. I don't think crosses and Easter God is really about the 'you're good as you are' thing when you scratch the paint.