She felt a flicker of guilt when he dropped his arms. She did not want to seem dismissive when all he wanted was to comfort her. But curiosity and hope kept her from apologising. The remark about her herself was put aside as well for later examination. There was a more pressing line of conversation to be held.
"There is someone who can help me?" A smile of hope reached her lips. "Can we- you contact that person?" Then as an afterthought. "Should I get cleaned first?"