"I know. It's just that I -" She stopped. "I wanted to ..." The words clogged up in her throat and felt impossible. Now just wasn't the time. There might not ever be a good time. "Everyone has to do what they need to, right?" She smiled at him and gently squeezed his shoulder. "That's how things are. You all need to rest, and I need to help you all get back." While she stayed here.

"Anyway, does tea sound good? I think I still have some. I don't know what else would really do any good. Usually when Nariko is upset about something I just hug her a lot and eventually everything is fine. Neither you nor Bert want hugs, so I am at a loss."

This was her humor (somewhat, she really would hug them both into submission if she thought it might do some good). It was terrible.