Thank you. Inside I put a hope, and a wish. [She smiles at him over the rim of her cocoa cup.] And a great deal of whiskey.
[Her smile fades as she goes on.] I thought about what I might get you since the announcement was made, but before that I was already thinking of it. I would give you anything in my power to give, anything in all the worlds, any part of myself if it would give you peace, because you are that important to me.
Perhaps because you believe that I only show you the same kindness I show everyone because it is my nature to be kind. Or, because it is also my nature to wear a good face even when I am feeling otherwise, I fear you do not realize just how much you mean to me. That more than once this place has threatened to break me apart, and it was you who held me together. That knowing I have your trust is precious to me because you do not give it to just anyone. Likewise, I would not speak so plainly of my inner heart to just anyone. I would not confide in just anyone, or cry with them, or mourn their losses as if they were my own.
I would wish that you knew this and trusted it, and accepted that I am proud and grateful to have your friendship.
But I know that nothing I can give you will do that.
[She falls into silence, expecting no response. There is no smile on her lips any longer. Always, she has succeeded in helping those who mean the most to her, and here she is failing. And she accepts it, but she does not like it.]