[ Frowns and walks over to sit down beside her, setting a hand on hers ]

We are. But sometimes when we're frustrated, it's okay to take a breather. They understand. You can't be someone's rock when you're standing on quicksand.

[ He runs a thumb over the back of her hand ]

And I can't tell you it won't happen again. None of us can. But we're better prepared now. We know what to look for. And we know better than to make shady deals with the people calling the shots.