"Because it wasn't your choice. It has to be your choice to mean anything. I've lost a few days before I know how creepy it is. I do. But I'm not asking anything more or less than I was before and I'm asking because.." [She took a deep breath, trying to keep her voice level throughout.] "..because I still want to be friends with you because I still like you and care about you and the only way I can do that is if you prove that you want to make amends and that you're willing to go through what they've gone through."

[Huff.]