Then you’re not alone. [Forgive him for his bluntness, Elian, but he couldn’t remain unaffected after everything that had happened to him.] Unless the tower rips them away from you. That kind of suffering is… incomparable.

[Him, a friend? Gaara turned his face away for a moment, unsure of how to respond.]

I’m not… [He shook his head; he didn’t really know how to get along with children, but from the time he spent with Reishun, he knew they could be more sensitive about certain things.] It takes time for people to become friends, Elian. True friendship is nurtured and developed. Otherwise, everyone is simply an acquaintance to one another.

[A small smirk of amusement played about his lips.] Knowing Ishtar, she would spend time with you, if you wanted. She is kind and generous, compassionate to a fault. Treat her well.