[ Experience and circumstance will shape you. It's what creates your arsenal of tools to cope and to shield yourself. She doesn't blame him and really only wants the best for him, though it's hard to not let her questions overpower her concern. Jill can't fully understand it from his point of view -- or even partially -- until she knows more. She'd been alone most of her life, but she'd had wonderful parents and while her circle of family and friends now was tiny, they were still anchors. ]

I know you didn't. It was worth saying still.

[ He has it wrong, though. She's just emotionally charged right now, a ball of electricity with nowhere to strike. Not angry, but part of her is hurt and the rest of her has no idea what she's doing or where she's going. It would be a lie to suggest that some of his suggestions about romance or her feelings about Chris didn't get to her. The past four years left a lot up in the air and all this proves is she definitely wasn't ready to be with someone in that respect, even if it felt just right. ]

Take your time. We've all got our shit and our brains aren't always equipped to deal with that shit in the way we want it to.

[ More experience. Jill could be downright vicious at times and hopefully no one would ever have to see that side of her when she snaps. Her shoulders rise and fall into something like a sigh and a shrug all at once, though without any negativity to it. Playful, almost. ]

Just so long as you stick around. Give yourself space, but don't be a stranger. This doesn't change anything about our friendship on my end. We're still thick as thieves and if you think you can ditch me, like I said. I'll hunt you down... but, ah. I'll try not to break your nose or anything on accident if that's the case.

[ Now, at least, she chuckles. She clearly feels bad about that still, but if she can't make a joke about it then neither of them will be able to dig themselves out of this shitty hole. ]