[ Klaasje knows what Ruby means. Her eyes, when they open, are full of it. The dark shape squirming behind them is not quite possible to name, but it is hideous. ]

Would you believe me if I said it did make me feel better?

[ It's gone again. There's just her, brittle, husked out. ]

Because it does. I don't care if you believe that, either.

[ She cares. It's the little break in her voice, the stumble. It's so hard to keep being herself, all the time. ]

You know enough about me for this. You know I'm a survivor. You know that if I'm coming to you, like this, it's because I really believe that whatever is happening, we're better off if we work together.

I don't get anything out of fucking you over here. And even if I did, you have something over on me.