[ She certainly has--been there, done that, had a few existential crises, failed a number of people along the way...it may make it seem like she's not taking things as serious as she should be, but Himeka does want to keep morale up as much as possible. At least until they can find a way out.

And they will. Somehow.

Which makes his question entirely warranted, as his apprehension. Her smile turns a little worn but it doesn't disappear. ]

You're not wrong.

[ A beat. ]

..."Fake it 'til you make it" has served me well enough until now.

[ She exhales through her nose slowly as she looks out towards the larger cavern. ]

I'm...exhausted. I'm hungry, I've smelt better, and despite things being so vibrant outside, the world has never felt so dull. [ Disconnected--she can't sense the aether at all. ] I've not a clue where we are or for what purpose nor if the star we fought so hard to preserve even stands, but...I have to believe that it does. That this is temporary or else it'd be too easy to give up.

[ She turns to look at Abel again. ]

I know not everyone has the luxury of hope, so...those of us that do have to try and keep it together, right?