Of course - you need your second opinions, don't you?

[though she sounds a little teasing, calling back to the week before.

there's the slightest pause at the question, before she speaks. her voice is a bit softer, but her tone remains understanding.]

... it's okay if you'd like to ask me things more directly, you know. It'd be silly to assume that any of you trust me or any of us - as long as you're polite to the others, I don't mind what you say to me.

But no, we didn't talk very much. I don't have any better idea why she acted than the rest of you. I've been trying to ask what others know as well.