"That was different," she grumbles. As far as she's concerned, that's the truth.

But then there's a long silence while she thinks about it.

"I'd rather be alone in hating me." It's an ugly, horrible thing to admit. She hopes he doesn't understand. "I've spent most of my life alone with myself. I understand it. This... I don't understand. I don't know what I keep doing wrong, but I know he deserves better."