[ It's like getting splashed with a bucket of water. A cold wake up. Riley's stunned, but she won't— she doesn't want to believe it. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, she shakes her head, trying to hold on to way she's understood the last two months. ]

No, I... That's not what— [ Another shake, a little desperate. ] What was I supposed to think, after...you were so— you were sure I'd hate you.

[ Her halfhearted attempt to turn it back around ends up sapping the fire in her. Dodged calls. Months left on read. Turning away, and... ]

And...after the... I didn't— I couldn't...with anyone, so...

[ It's true, what he's saying. Even now, she's watching his hands instead of his face, drawn to the movement, or—or using that as an excuse to hide. ]

So...I just... 'Cause I'd...I'd already...ruined it, so...

[ Her voice grows softer and softer as little disconnected explanations pour out. She lets her claws fall to her side. ]