[ she listens quietly, and while his words make her jaw tighten with quiet fury, she tries to be patient. she tries to understand. he's such a softhearted boy, and this certainly explains why he's always seemed so quick to doubt himself, to put himself down, but it's not something she can tolerate. it's not something she will tolerate. ]

Just because it is a part of you does not mean that it defines you. You must know that.

[ she says, not unkindly, but with a familiar firmness to her voice that he has no doubt heard many times before. ]

Too many are born with expectations upon them, but it is only you who can decide who you are. Should you think yourself lesser for the circumstances of your birth, that is your choice, and no other's. To think that people would judge you for it, especially your friends - it does them a disservice.