[It is the unfortunate truth of the universe that being asked not to cry rarely commands the desired result. But she does her best, hanging her head to avoid seeing him and being looked at while she is being so absurd as her hands turning to fists in his. It's fine. It's fine. It's fine.]

I don't need to be anyone's favorite person. I just want to not be the joke everyone tells because they think I'm too stupid to notice.