[ It's aggravating to listen to his excuses, not that there's anything precisely wrong with them. He's sincere. She's simply struggling to wonder if there's any point. Celebrating with a bunch of strangers and playing at a pleasant guest is her forté, but would it benefit her any if she spends the whole time trying not to act upset over every little thing Jesse doesn't remember? It's one thing to seek him in an emergency or offer him solace in way of answers or prayer, but to play at friendship?

Her sigh is strained, but curiosity pulls hard, as does the desire to remain in company after the earlier storming. It had felt too much like an omen. ]

It may do me well enough to take part in such diversion. I would grow frightfully fatigued in mind to hide away too often. Yet, I have no gift to offer the host. I would not wish to bring only insult.