[ being social was never really an effort for elena either. not until her parents died. after that it was all forced smiles and getting out of bed until it wasn't hard anymore. with everything that's happened lately in her life, sometimes it still can be hard.
but she's good at it; good at being fine, and the truth is today she actually almost feels it.
she smiles some and warmly at the self-deprecation; she can understand it. this place is... an adjustment. ] It's nice to meet you too. [ she looks at the food spread out - ] Did you bring anything?