Ah, so apparently Traders take this economy thing very seriously. It reminds Howard a little bit of Albert. Fortunately for Howard, no nostalgic feelings of longing bubble up for his former roommate and business partner.

"I'm not saying anything. It's just, you know, me and religion don't get along so well most of the time." That's as polite and diplomatic as Howard can manage on the subject.

He shrugs. "Because it's better than just giving up, right? At least I might be ready for something, even if it's not everything. You know. When something awful happens." When, not if. Optimism is for the weak.