[ That is, ironically, exactly the right thing to say. Good job, Gabriel! Because Marco comes from a universe with multiple sentient species, and humanity is the new kid on the block, but by (the non-existent) God, Marco is on Team Human all the way. So reminding him that all of his problems are human problems and that humans are awesome? Is actually really helpful.

So he smiles. ]

Thanks, Gabriel. It is very human of me, isn't it? And you're right, we doubt ourselves all the time and I hate that, but it's also what makes us ask questions, and that's what makes us awesome. So I guess you can't have one without the other.

A wuss is a weak person. A nerd.

[ Or at least how fired up Gabe's been using the term. ]

That's okay. I'd rather have the angel do something they want to do. Even back when I believed, I used to ask my Mom if the angels got bored watching us all day. Especially babies or old people who never do anything. Or what if you were the guardian angel to somebody in a coma for decades? How boring would that be?

But that means it's my job to take care of myself, so I'll work on that.