[ Amy, on the other hand, can't really say she'd ever gone out of her way to makes friends outside of her peer group — when was the last time she'd talked to a teenager before this? But age is less of a factor, here — except for the grown men fucking girls young enough to be their daughters, judgment she'll pass in private — and Gwen is sweet, smart, old and young in varying measure. Someone people would like. So— ]

Oh, Gwen. [ Amy's voice wobbles on the vowel in Gwen's name. ] Me, too.

[ She takes the proffered cup gladly, nudging the door to her room closed before nodding toward the sofa. ]

I was an only child, [ she says, as she takes her own seat, tucking one leg underneath her. ] But — I always wanted a sister. I guess that's part of why I—

[ The words break into a shaky laugh — like she thinks she's being silly, like she's feeling a little more vulnerable than usual because of what they're about to talk about. ]

Thank you for listening. I, um — you're sure it's okay? I know it's— it's not really a fun story.