"Thugs aren't the most dangerous things after dark around here, kiddo," Axel said, nibbling experimentally at his sandwich. "There's good reason to be scared of the dark in this city..."

He smiled a bit at her optimism. He thought maybe he'd been so forward-thinking once upon a time, but life had gotten in the way. He didn't really think himself a pessimist, but jaded realism was easier to stomach than sunshine and rainbows these days.

"I wish I had the energy to have your attitude," he said honestly. "I mean, my life isn't so bad here, either, past transgressions aside. I'm not sorry I'm here, not by a long shot, really." And then he wagged a finger at her. "But ignoring your past is no good. If you don't learn from the mistakes you've already made, you'll just make them again, and that doesn't do anybody anything."