She nods when Bela heads for the door, but doesn't speak until her friend hesitates and looks back to make sure she isn't going to go anywhere.

"I won't," she murmurs, eyes serious.

She laughs wryly after Bela has left the room, peering into her whiskey.

"Don't think I could, even if I wanted to."


She's positively awash with relief when Bela returns with the chocolates and pulls up a seat next to her. She doesn't hesitate before reaching into the box and plucking out a piece of chocolate.

"Thank you," she sighs, savoring the chocolate as it melts on her tongue. She rubs her eyes tiredly. "This helps."

She's half-teasing, but the words are more serious than she probably realizes.