We are close, yes, but... as a friend, I believe that this is a good thing.

[He's smiling, but there's a slight chill in the air to accompany it, feeling clearly conflicted on this matter...]

This melancholy flavor certainly has a bittersweet taste to it, but it's to be expected when one has to deal with a friend's departure. I'll miss him, and regret that I wasn't able to at least say goodbye before he left, but at the same time, I'm also happy that he's now free to continue his journey back home, rather than being forced to continue lingering at this station.

[And Trip was definitely not having a great time in this place, given past events that have occurred here, so really, it's for the best, isn't it?]