Part 186: Robin A

*Sigh*

What's wrong, Stahl? You sound a bit down?

Well, I apparently need to practice, then! It was supposed to be a sigh of relief. Some friends were in a bit of a row, but I managed to calm the waters.

You're always doing things like that, aren't you? Helping others with their problems. Most of us are too busy looking after ourselves, but you always find the time.

Well, in a way it was for my own sake. Troubled folkes make me uncomfortable. When I see friends fighting, my first instinct is to intervene and restore the peace.

Ha! And now you're acting humble and deflecting praise from yourself.

Er, sorry. Is that annoying?

Not annoying, no. But you should stand up for yourself from time to time, to. For example, you could start by telling people that today is your birthday.

Huh? You knew?

I found out, yes, but not from you! Friends should be able to tell each other that much. War may be raging around us, but that doesn't mean we can't have fun sometimes.

I suppose...

You spend so much time looking after other people that someone has to look after you. And I've decided that someone is going to be me! So, here. Have a couple of fried fig cakes in honor of your birthday.

Aw, my favorite! Thanks, Robin. You're a true friend.