9mon | Chroma: Vin

[she can tell he's trying, at least, and she appreciates it. she'll take the water, and force a smile for him.]

...Thank you.

You don't have to force yourself. Today was a lot.

[she nods, but:]

I do not want to distress you. He was important to you, too.

... Yeah.

[It's just hard losing people every week.]

[...]

I'm sorry.

No, it's not your fault. The refraction... It's whatever causes it that's to blame.

...I know.

[logically, at least.]

... It's okay to hurt, and to let it linger. I just hope... you have people to talk about it with.

...People have been very persistent about it.

[she frowns, but there's a little spark of warmth, too.]

Guess we're all kinds of stubborn.