[ and just like that, manuela's steps roll to a stop. she had been quite determined, since barret's offer, to find some place of solace. preferably with a good drink, but she would have been just as happy to simply be away from those ludicrous games.

now, though, she wishes she had paid a little better attention. she wishes she had taken much better note of his tone, the look on his face when he spoke of having important people to get home to.

she turns to him, reaching out to place a gentle hand along his arm. ]

I'm sorry, Barret. You must miss her terribly.

[ to be away from a spouse, a lover, that is an awful thing. she imagines it would be like missing a limb. but to be ripped away from your own child... even an actress as talented as she couldn't hope to have an imagination vast enough to know what that must be like.

what comfort is there to offer for someone who must feel so adrift like that? ]

I do hope you drink, [ she says after a moment. she resumes her walking, only this time she has slipped her arm through his, as if touch alone can help transfer some of her energy through to him. ] Our toast to your escape will have to be a grand one.