It's his physical retreat that gets to her more than anything, like icy water being poured over flames. All of that frustration drains out of her, leaving behind only sorrow and that pervasive defeat.

"I'm sorry," she tells him after a few moments of sadness, hunching over and pressing a hand to her eyes, work forgotten in her lap. "I've never not had a purpose in my life I'm not-- I don't know how to do this, but I shouldn't take it out on you."