[ hah, it's hard to not show it, isn't it?

— but his gaze doesn't waver. his voice is firm, honest ]

I want you to be kinder to yourself. Everyone here is working hard, you included. I want to tell you, that I appreciate what you do. So, please, be kind to yourself. Only you know what you've been through.

[ because, that's what people need to hear, when they have no answer. even for himself, he too wants to hear it, but no one will say it to him.

that doesn't mean he won't tell it to others, though. ]