She was glad then, that she had taken a moment to right herself to moments before. It left Reinette better prepared to deal with the stark honesty of Jack's statement. It did not matter that it was edged with humor, or that the words ended as quickly as they began.

They were still there. They were still true. And they were both aware of them.

For some reason, in that moment, it felt like enough. Perhaps Jack was right to speak of it then, even in slightly bright humor.

"Careful," she met him in word and tone. "Or I shall have to make you stop."