Ella nearly dropped her glass as she whirled around to face the sudden voice. Of course it was her dear friend, Patience, ready with valuable advice. She felt she should listen to it, but now that she'd experienced one little bout of emotions it was as if the floodgate had been lifted. She hiccuped into her free hand and frowned.
"I should be crying. Why am I not crying?" she asked emphatically, whinging more than asking. She sipped at her wine this time, then looked at her friend with wide eyes. Suddenly she was feeling panicked. If she didn't act like she was full of grief no man would want her! They'd all think her broken! Emotionless! "Would someone notice me if I started wailing like my mother, do you think? Should I pretend to faint?"