[ Jen felt that hesitation. she didn't blame Lina for it. if things were reversed and Lina had reached out like that she might not have reacted much differently. for maybe the second time of the things they've spoken, they've found something else in common.

it's unfortunate. but it's there. she won't ignore it. ]

No. [ her voice is soft. careful. ] It's good that you told me. I know I'll have to be careful about some... things I say. So we don't spiral off each other. [ Jen took a deep breath and sighed with a faint shudder. ] That's what they taught me.