[ The approval he gives does lift her spirits just so-- and the effort he puts into doing so.

Really, she's just being a child, she thinks. Perhaps she just wanted to hear that it's all okay, and it is only because she didn't that she is making assumptions.

Sitting herself a little taller, she begins to pick away at her meal, as well. ]

As far as getting ready goes, I was thinking that we could put on Christmas music and make cocoa, then I could take my time putting on my face this morning-- and then, after I make lunch, we could help one another dress...