[It’s a dreadful memory. Armin, young, his hair still long, standing in front of a full length mirror. The room reflected is empty - two beds and scarcely anything else. He’s staring at himself, tears slowly sliding down his cheeks. But he looks angry.]

You’re worthless.

[The hatred in his tone is more than palpable; it’s inescapable. He speaks through shaky breaths and withheld sobs, biting down hard on his lip when he starts to allow himself too much reprieve.]

You’re a worthless, stupid piece of shit.

Everyone is counting on you, and all you do— [He cuts himself off with the shortest little gasp of a sob. Then he reels his hand back and slaps himself hard in the face.

[There’s a long moment of silence, his head hung.]

All you do…is put the people you love at risk.

They chose you. This? This is how you repay them?

You’re a coward. You’re weak.

[Then, one full sob. He slaps his hand over his mouth to hide the sound. When he removes it:]

They should have let you die instea—-

[A voice through the door, calling. It’s Eren’s.]

“We gotta get going, Armin.”

[All at once, his demeanor changes. He straightens where he’s standing, quickly wiping the tears from his eyes. When he calls back, his voice is easy and pleasant. There’s not a trace of negative emotion left.]

Just one second, Eren!