It's been a hobby of mine for a long time, though I paint more here than I did at home. Most of my other hobbies have been rendered impossible, after all.

It is. The people are different. The resources are different. The environment is different. All of those and more factor into what I can and can't do.

I preferred things at home. I would have done something about it otherwise.

That's one of the few things truly disappointing about this place. The ability to change one's situation is more limited than anything I'm used to. In the end, we are just a small village trapped in a bubble. There's only so much to be done with it.

Indeed. This place will change plenty for you, but when it comes to bringing your own change... it's much more limited.

Which is why I'm painting now.

Because I'm bored. Hee hee.

[ Though Shinji did get it right. ]

Mmm, but do I also seem complicated enough to give you what might only seem to be a simple reason?

Isn't it more fun that way? It means we'll never have a dull conversation, after all. If there's one thing you could count on, it's that I won't stick to the expected.

Mmm, I wouldn't call myself confusing. But I suppose I have a different perspective.

I'd certainly hope at least that much held true for both of us. After all, if I'm both boring and confusing, what good would a conversation with me be at all?

Do you want to?

[ DON'T BE SO SURE, SHINJI. Though admittedly Josh might not be the best person to learn from, in no way is that going to stop him from offering. ]

Did you accidentally paint your cat? Hee hee.

Whatever comes to mind. Or if you're a sentimental sort, whatever's in your heart. Once you get started, it's easy to keep going.