[he knows that's a lie; he feels way more motivated than he was just ten minutes ago, and the mopey, dreary attitude has lifted. he snorts, and waves a hand]

When it comes down to it. . . no matter how awful this road might be, I know that in the end, it's the choice that is most in line with my goal. The same goals I had when I first came to this place.

So. . .

[he trails off, and shrugs]