*is unable to keep a completely crestfallen expression from crossing her face*
*not for the reason you might think, but says redundantly anyway:* I know my books aren't like real life. That's the whole point. I just came here for my daughter.
*gets up unhappily, leaving her drink* *as she's picking up her purse, fruitlessly trying to explain to herselfno one in particular you* It's terrible to see your children struggling all the time and I wish you could help them but you don't know how. I never did. I wish I did. *stuffing her book down deep into her purse and hoping she has a tissue in there somewhere assuming she makes it out the door etc.* You seem to know. Anyway. That's all.
*makes a move in the direction of the nearest door so she can go back and wait for the safety of Nerdanel for hotel room service*