[In a universe that was a little kinder and a little fairer, there would always be another option. There would always be people like the Chief. There would be people who see alternatives to the road most often traveled and try to help people step off that path. Even people like that, however, will recognize when nothing can be done to change that fate. Sometimes paths only cross for a little while. It's a lesson she doesn't want to admit she's learned: Forever has many different lengths.

There's nothing she can do about that, and Ninety-Nine isn't good at talking about these things. Someone who was better at this could have at least tried. She just answers the question.]

Some people are trying their best even with the whole world turned against them. Some groups have found one another and are working together to change things. Maybe I've only seen a portion of what there actually is out there, but I'm glad that I get to try candy and soft drinks and stargazing. Maybe... those are things many places have in common.