Was it really so surprising? Really? Of course what was far more important here was that no past mistakes would be repeated. "I think, considering how dangerously tempted I am to take up drinking for the next decade assuming the former is probably the best course of action." And maybe that should not have been said with her usual cheerfulness, but oh well. It was true. She felt as much guilt as she did anger, and that was a combination that couldn't be repressed for too long.

"What's really sick about it ..." She poked at her food, trying to pin herself with the same hardheaded dedication she had given to Roland. Food was necessary even if it felt as if she couldn't really keep any of it down. "Is that I actually feel better." Quickly, she waved a hand just to make sure there was no misunderstanding here: "Not Gilead, I mean everything else."