[Fareeha eases up a little as she hears him hiss, but she's not relenting entirely; these knots need to go. She listens as she works, feeling grateful that their friendship has evolved to this place of mutual trust. It carries in her voice when she replies,]

I'm honored that you trust me so. It doesn't sound like you've had an easy time of it and I appreciate you giving me this chance. [She stops kneading for a moment to just squeeze his good shoulder lightly, before going back to work. She lets the silence hang, and then in sharing the vulnerability she figures it must have taken for him to admit that, opens up a little more herself.]

It's been difficult for me to get close to people. I was a different person growing up, and certain things put me on a path to ... be more independent and self-reliant. I found it easier to close off. I've only learned recently it's not healthy to do that, but letting people in? People I don't know, it's been hard. You and I, I feel like we're kindred spirits, if I may be so cliche. We've got the same goals.

[They're protectors, they strive to do the right thing.] Thank you, for giving me this chance.