[definitely more traumatic then
she probably should not have hoped

Shu’s expression only wavers very briefly, for she can recognize a brave face when she sees it and she would not do Aira the disservice of assuming she needs comfort or cloying words.]

I am sorry.

[an acknowledgment, though, seems appropriate]

That is a challenging way to grow up. But I understand. When my caretaker passed away… I, too, would speak into the wind at times and know my words would be brought to her in some fashion. How often I complained that she left me in such a fashion.

[Her smile is fond. This seems to be a sort of in-joke.]

Shall we write some words to your mother, then?