[ Her eyes cloud over, gaze dropping down and away from the new guy. He says something like that as if there's a choice. It's what makes her look back up to him, shoulders set, jaw firm. ]

I don't have a choice. Crying about it doesn't change that it's still real. Anyway, are you hungry?

[ This doesn't feel like bravery. It feels like necessity. She makes a scooping motion with her hand, inviting Scott to move along with her. ]

There's junk food in the kitchen. It might help you feel better... I could make you tea, too. We've got honey pearls, and they're just like sugar. There's also a lot of apple juice.

[ No, she still doesn't really understand why. Her ease in shifting topics has everything to do with shutting down hearing how she's brave for something she has no control over. Brave for managing to face the scary things here? Sure. But not for staying without her parents.

That was not at any time her choice. ]