I make a harsh sound that isn't anywhere near a laugh, but sounds like it was trying to be one. I clamp my mouth shut and shake my head, fractionally, holding it in. It won't help anything, that cynicism, that unwillingness to recognize what she's doing and accept it.

I drop my hands from the wall and flex them, carefully, at my side for a moment before I turn to face her sidelong, although I have trouble actually looking at her.

"Thank you," I say quietly.

"Natalia, I should go."