Regular loneliness thing, I think.

Having it be a demon thing seems so much more logical. If pain makes them orgasm and be content (that's what I got out of it anyway, what with tearing Broadshoulders apart) then it would only fit that happiness and such would drive demons away.

You would be right, if she were a real demon. But Zandra is Nefastis, a demonic being with a human soul. She has a human capacity for empathy which immunizes her against a true demon's natural revulsion to positive emotions.

It can be very confusing when the happiness of a loved one causes pain. But the human condition is known for its propensity to fall out of step with logic.

If you're lonely and depressed -- no matter how on top of things you seem on the outside -- happy people cut like a serrated blade. Especially people you know, if they don't see how you're feeling and decide to leave you alone. You feel resentful and sad. Of course, this isn't fair, they can't read your mind and know the feelings you're hiding, but feelings aren't fair or logical.

Which is the shorter reply: Feelings aren't logical. Zandra's behavior doesn't have to be logical to be human rather than demonic.

has everyone just missed the fact that Sandra is in love with Krystal and never told her? I would think that's pretty obvious....

You don't have to be in love with someone to feel hurt that they don't need you, or that others make them as happy or even happier than you do. You just need to feel used to being the one who's there for them.

There is also a crushing shame one can experience when forgiven for something you don't feel you deserve to be forgiven for, especially by one who seems so innocent as Crystal. That might still be an issue here.

Oh. Also a sense of loss when the one who's always insisted on staying to comfort you... doesn't.

Yeah it's kinda wild when people just. Ignore literally all the hints in the comic about Sandra being in love with Krystal.

Like yeah you can totally feel hurt by someone's happiness but. It's pretty explicitly clear that she's hurt because Krystal is in love with someone else, and she wants to try and do the right thing by her.

At least wild magic turned Mike into a girl to better suit sandra's repressed desires. But nothing fixes that unrequited love (in that way) since Krystal definitely loves her as a sister.

I think Zandra is hurting here for several reasons that align. She has recently become aware of how much Crystal means to her, both as a friend and due to what she now recognizes as attraction. They were close growing up, and only became separated with Sandra’s banishment. Crystal was offering a golden opportunity to go back to a close relationship. Zandra knows how happy that would make her, and that she could steer the relationship to be even more over time. Beyond demonic perceptions of the likely paths of events, she has a better understanding of herself and others now, and she knows the value in what Crystal is offering. But she also knows that Crystal has grown too. She and Wally are building a life together, and if Zandra becomes a central figure in Crystal’s life agin, it will mess that up. So at this crossroads, Zandra steers events to take a more peripheral role in Crysta’ls life. She will see her happiness but not be a part of it, and be a distant protector but not a close friend. Zandra has a very good idea of what might have been, and she’s willingly giving it up shortly after becoming aware of how much she really wanted it. Metaphorically, after learning that she still has a heart and that that’s a good thing, she cuts a big chunk out and gives it away. Of course she’s hurting.

Psst. Valentine... you called it.

Oh, that's a regular loneliness thing.

Give her a hug I mean, the message got cut, sorry.

I kinda thought you meant "sit in the attic and cry while the sounds of happiness drift up from below," which -- while it would make me sad for you -- would also make sense.

Don't worry Custodes, I don't think you've missed anything where he's concerned.

It's the book Crystal gave her earlier in the scene, as I recall.

...or not. I could have sworn someone handed her a book earlier, but looking back, she was already reading it when Crystal walked in.

It's the book that Crystal published, a story about an evil little girl loosely based on Zandra.

I think it's complicated. I think she's happy with Wally, and while she has feelings for Zandra, it's important to remember that not long ago she was turned against her. "You don't get to talk to me like that anymore."

And now she's the evil little girl, except she isn't evil. Hmmm.

Sometimes it's important to recognize who is good for you and who isn't. And to accept happiness and not look a gift horse in the mouth. Crystal has always been weirdly complex for someone who seems so simple on the surface.

I know, right?

I think some people would say that even a tiny fragment of a heart carries an infinite potential to love and be loved. We love you too, Vosla. Thanks for taking something valuable from my work. I hope it serves you for a long, long time.