He smiles. "I'm glad." Her confidence is nice to see, even if her lack of affect is a bit worrisome. He's seen too many nervous children here, and it reminds him of his own childhood.

"I thought it might be nice to get to know each other better," says Kariya, in his kindest counselor's voice. He believes very strongly in talking being good for people, so obviously, it will be good for her, too. "I try to touch base with the students when I can."