?????

"I think fish can be happy."

How can you know that? You are not a fish.

"So? You're not me. How do you know I can't tell if they're happy?"

…

"Well?"

I cannot know.

"Seeeeee! I win!"

But you have yet to answer my question.

"Ugh, what was it again?"

How do you know fish can be happy?

"...Because they swim!"

That is merely their biological function.

"Maybe. But isn't doing what you're supposed to do a kind of happiness?"

I do not understand.

"Okay, so fish are meant to swim. When they swim, they're being fish. They're doing exactly what they were made for. That must make them feel happy, right?"

You are saying happiness comes from fulfilling one's purpose.

"Kind of! Like when I listen to Tomoyo read, I feel happy because that's what I'm supposed to do as her friend. You get what I'm saying?"

…

"Fish-san?"

I am attempting to comprehend your logic.

"Take your time. Unlike me, you've got plenty of it."

…I suppose I do.

…

"Hey, Fish-san?"

Yes?

"Promise me something."

What is it?

"When you figure out what happiness is… tell Tomoyo. Because she forgets sometimes. That she's allowed to be happy."

I cannot promise something I have yet to understand, but I will try.

"…Thank you, Fish-san."