That was the first time someone had said her speaking put them at ease. She remained looking down, and said, "A-a-as buh-buh-buh-bad as m-mine?" She asked, risking a glance up, her eyes appearing rounded, and alight. "I f-f-f-find that h-hard to b-believe" 

She returned her gaze to Hope, still petting the dog. "i...I a-am s-s-s-s-sorry f-f-f-for all t-that has h-h-happened to y-you. It isn't f-f-fair" 

She looked up after a minute and asked, "W-w-what e-elements c-c-c-can you c-c-c-c-c-c-control?" it seemed like a generally question asked her, so she figured why not ask?