[And hugging. Hugging is a thing that's happening now.]

Ruby.

[She's quiet for a minute, thinking carefully over her words for once. She wants to pretend everything's okay, that she's not scared, and just hope that things will turn out all right.]

[But this is unfamiliar territory. She takes a deep breath before speaking.]

You're the first, best friend I've ever had. Better than I had ever hoped.

[She squeezes a little tighter.]

If I thought for even a second you were in danger, I would do absolutely everything I could to help, to make sure you were safe. And I absolutely believe that you would-

[Her own voice catches for just a second.]

-that you DID the same. That whatever happened wasn't your fault, and definitely wasn't because you weren't trying hard enough. I believe in you.