[Asher's first response instinct is to be indignant, the kind of fire that typically boils up inside of him whenever his classmates suggest that he hasn't been through anything at all, but it subsides quickly.

That's true, isn't it? What does he know of poverty, of the people who were thrown aside by men like his father. The systems of money and power protect only the privileged few. Learning that his charmed existence had been guaranteed in exchange for an innocent man's life has shaken him deeply, and for that he is (surprisingly) sorry.

But his guilt isn't enough, it doesn't change anything.]

Well, believe it then.

[He will try, from here on out, to change things.

His attempts will be naive and ill-informed at first, but he'll get there. This is an opportunity to start over.]

I don't care what it is, you don't have to tell me.

[Asher looks over at the man, nay, child sitting before him. Perhaps it is foolish for him to assume that the other has done nothing all that wrong, as Asher has yet to find out what crimes his classmates have committed, but he does.

A guy who takes pity on an imbecile can't be all that bad, right?]

I'm cool with whoever you are. With whoever you wanna be.

[A resigned sigh.

Somewhere, deep down, something changes.

Maybe he could have used a little bit of this growing up.]

Let's get you ready for bed, okay? It looks like you could really use some sleep.