"Oh, Allen," Rukia said quietly, "You... you didn't know. And I know that doesn't make you feel any better, but logically, you have to understand that." She wanted to tell Allen, I know how it feels to hurt someone you love. I killed someone I loved. But she didn't know Bridget, and didn't really feel comfortable talking about something so personal in front of the girl.

Then the Head Doctor's voice rang out over the intercom, and Rukia's only consolation was that she might at least get a chance to draw something. First, though, she would have to go talk to Captain Hitsugaya.

Standing, Rukia reached out to squeeze Allen's shoulder. "Let's talk about it later, okay?" she said gently. Then, to Bridget, "It was nice meeting you, Bridget." Turning, she headed to the sun room, trying not to look as though she wanted to run away.