[He hums.] Mm. I did. Changed my course, I mean. But it was sort of just an exchange of a different emotional leash for me.

[The next question... complicated.

Very complicated. His own hardship made him stronger, and to some extent the Slayer's did too, but...]

Kind of a cop-out answer, but it depends on the hardship, and depends on the person in question. Anyone who lives a pampered lifestyle is bound to become weak and prone to having all that taken away. Struggling'll make you stronger than someone who's never struggled in their life, but reltentless pain and loss and grief? Well. There's very few people who can live with that.

[He takes one last drag of his cigarette and tosses it, crossing his arms and leaning against a wall.]

Won't be long now, you know.