[Relatively cootie-free, it would seem! She laces her fingers with his and gives his arm a lengthy swing back and forth. Playful, but not patronizing. She'd do this were she older, as well. It just seems awkward like this. Awkward and dorky.]

I'm... not surprised he's avoiding me. [That isn't an answer to his question and she's so very aware of it.] I just wish that he would have told me. That's just... how he operates, though. [She sounds far-off and a little sad, but fond.] I don't even know if I'll be able to go back to the way I'm meant to be. I can't blame him.