"Maybe not just yet, but if you stayed.... if you had laughed with me when I laughed... then I would have known for sure I could. I wasn't trying to hurt. I didn't even think I was trying to test you, but I guess I was. Maybe I have been testing people my whole life. Who knows. But staying or going, that's your choice kid. I won't make it for you."

She dipped her fish finger again.

"And given I'm eating it too, it's not like I thought it would make you sick or kill you. It just tastes odd is all. But to me? Now? It tastes like friendship."