"Is it common for men to be so hard on themselves where you're from?" Penelo asked in a teasing tone, but there certainly was something to be said for the fact that all the men she knew from Cecil's world were very self-effacing, except Edge. Edward not so bad as... "Kain seems so sad and overly critical of himself. I wish I knew what I could do to help him, but..."

She took a deep breath and smiled at Cecil. "You're a good man. You're kind and generous and I owe you so much for what you've done. I almost envy Rosa her good fortune. But I think she deserves what she's found, and she's happy, so I can't. I am jealous a little of that happiness though."