[ His position to the side and the relative darkness likely masks how the bland smile falls from his face for a moment. (He's not as careful with the puddles either - he's given up trying to stay clean (he's beyond hope in more ways than one.)) ]

Ah, you're right. People wouldn't have to worry about any of that stuff. But it seems that those feelings - someone or something feeds on them, even here. If they all were to go unfelt, I don't know what would happen.