[ Already digging in for her second bite, and repeating the same process with only slightly more caution, she watches him as he speaks. Pauses, to pick up a napkin and press it to her lips. ]

Perhaps I shouldn't have said that. [ Her lids flutter as she stares down into her plate. ] I've been so focused on how-- [ A small shake of the head. ] -- new and alarming everything seems. Even when you told me your perspective, I hadn't taken the time to understand it.