[ She draws herself up, like he's just hit her with a brick, and exhales, slowly. This is familiarity of a different kind: everyone wants something, nobody is nice just because. She's seen it in her own reflection too many times to think it's something else. ]

[ And that can't be explained, it has to be experienced for it to be internalised. She had to. ]

Jeez, ask the tough questions, why don't you?

[ She sighs. ]

I don't think you'd believe me if I told you the truth, and that's okay, but I'd really rather not have to lie to you.