"I understand how you feel. Even though I know my friends can handle themselves I am worried about them and I miss them dearly" she answered with sympathy in her tone. Buffy knew better than most what it was like to have people in your life you wanted to protect. She certainly wanted to be there for her family and friends.
"I have a sister and friends that are family to me" she added, letting her know the truth about her home life. It was saying something that she was being so open with the young girl.