Sometimes, he wished Riley wasn't such a curious child.
Because if she wasn't, that would mean Fear wouldn't have to deal with so many surprises and shocks. If she wasn't, she could just do her homework all day and then lie down on the couch to read a soothing picture book, or maybe a cooking recipe.
That wouldn't be fun, true, but it wouldn't be seizure inducing, either. And it would probably prolong her life.
But with the curiosity also came the thrill, and the excitement about the new. He didn't always like it, but he felt it, all right. It was the same as the apprehension, only nicer, and he knew Riley enjoyed it. She had to enjoy it, or she wouldn't be the way she was.
He had tried to explain this to Joy whenever she was frustrated enough to complain that the rest of them couldn't be positive. Hey, he could be positive! It wasn't his fault if she couldn't understand that! But he never tried for long; he tended to take care not to talk to her too much at once, for her boisterous loudness always managed to catch him off guard eventually.
Actually, he sometimes avoided the others altogether, save Sadness, for while she was as prone to sudden outbursts as any of the Emotions, her crying fits were a little more predictable, which also meant more manageable, and thus, being with her was somewhat relaxing. But Disgust seemed to get a kick out of irritating him, and Anger mostly irritated everyone without even trying.
It wasn't always easy to count himself as part of this lineup, especially when they conflicted. But they all had their place in Riley's head, and if any one of them was missing, she wouldn't be complete, no matter if their contributions were positive or negative.
If anyone understood that, it was him.
Note: To be concluded. You know who's missing. ;)