I want to make sure you don't mind.

I know you are.

I wouldn't miss you so much if you weren't.

So... is that a yes?

Thank you. I'll feel less lonely pretending you're watching with me.

Don't you say bad things about him!

I think he's wonderful.

He can if he wants.

Oh.

Of course.

And he probably wouldn't come anyway.

You don't have to.

I know you wouldn't come.

You're confused and you want me safe so you won't come anymore ever.

But I'm allowed to be sad about that, Thomas. You can't do anything about that.

Then explain it to me, Thomas.

I want to know. I want to understand.

I miss you.

Then I'm glad you're there for her. Is there anything I can do to help?

You've said that before and then decided you can't see me. But, I... I kind of selfishly hope you mean it because then at least I can see you and be with you sometimes.

I'm sorry. That must be hard.

I know you're good and that you've been through something terrible that hurt you so much it feels like you won't ever get over it. And I know I care about you an awful lot and I'd like to be able to actually spend time with you in person. And I know you need time to try and heal and figure things out.

And I know that I'll do anything you want or need to help you. No matter what that is.

I... I don't know about the grown-up part, though.

But... don't you mind that I'm kind of like a child, not a grown woman?

'Mana says parts of my mind had to sort of stop when I was little. To keep me safe.

Yeah?

I didn't... I never knew before that I was like that. Not till my head got better. Now I wish it hadn't got better.