He won't keep the conversation weighed down too long, at least. Again, there's no intention to make her feel bad just because he's nowhere near as bubbly. It's kind of unfortunate that Mitsuri's optimism lifts it up to a height he can't really reach, though!

"It does seem like a lot of people are really interested in helping out." Anyone he's seen doing the same kind of work haven't looked too put-out for it, at any rate. All right, pot full of plant, let's get you into Shinji's hands so he can stand up and find you a new home! "And everything's definitely going to look more lively with all these plants around."