Y'know, I asked myself that same question for years. And maybe it is just the coward's way out, but all I can say is-- sometimes it's just easier, I guess. I dunno.

[ Ray sets the water aside in favor of lighting another cigarette. He doesn't want to... unload or anything, at least not all at once, even if Shadow's the one that's asking. After all, Shadow's the first friend (if it's not too premature to use the term) Ray's made since he's been here so far, and also... well, in years? Ray would have to struggle to remember the last time he made a new non-work "friend."

So he drags on the cigarette and exhales out a long plume of smoke before he continues. ]

Yeah, you could say that. Actually, it's been more like a rough couple'a years, but I've gotten much better at rollin' with the punches. [ A pause, then he adds: ] Probably a bad week for a lotta people here, though. I mean, how've you been getting on?