"Because what I really want is to be liked despite myself!" He snapped, before instantly paling. He never snapped. Especially at people who didn't deserve it. His face scrunched up, angrier now with himself than he was with her, and he threw a hunk of dirt out behind him with his shovel.

"I have plenty of friends, Ellana." He looked up at her, pulling in a breath to calm himself. "I have good friends, here. And I've lost good friends, here. I don't need to be told how to live my life. Not from any of you."