Ric went silent and stared blankly at the ground. He stood there like that for a few minutes not saying a word, as if the very question itself was like being hit by a speeding bullet. After awhile he looked up and finally opened his mouth to speak.<br/>"I uh, it's . . . it's hard to explain." He took a pause to swallow and think, but found that his mouth was dry and no words seemed to come to mind. "It's strange to think about it, but no one has ever asked me that before. I guess the reason is because I have to. You see, I have no family or relatives. I've lived most of my life alone on the streets until I came here. I don't do the things I do merely for attention."<br/>Ric could feel something wet welling up in his eyes and he turned his head away from Suriel and looked down at the ground again.<br/>"It's difficult to say, but I guess the reason behind it is so I am remembered. I want to place my mark in this time; to know that I actually existed; that I am not invisible; that there is a meaning to my existence. I want to be recognized and not forgotten. It's not easy to smile all the time when your sad as well."<br/>Ric wiped his eyes as droplets of water hit the ground before him. His voice changed to a more sullen one. And when he spoke again it came out hoarsely.<br/>"My life feels devoid of life, you know? I don't really have a purpose. Most people came here inspired to become something more or to be someone. I . . . well . . . I don't want to talk about this anymore."<br/>Ric turned his back to Suriel and began lifting his weights once more, but now he didn't have the strength to pull up his arms so he just let them sag.