[She almost laughs-- he's right, of course, and it's funny, in its way, that this is how things are. But even as her face trembles into a smile, a tear slips from her eye that she hastily brushes away.
The tension of it, the fear: she'd never have the courage to face anyone more aggressive than Bastien.]

Thank you.

[Fifi's mouth twists in the way of one trying to keep it still, and she watches him almost longingly-- dare she initiate a hug? She needs one.]

I, [she says softly,] find it easier to not think about it at all.