He didn't leave, for which Aigis was thankful. She kept her eyes averted as he came inside. It was hard enough, knowing he was probably wasting his precious free time checking on her. He was too kind.

"I am f..." She stopped, took another breath, and started over. "I am fi... I am... I..."

Why was this suddenly so hard? She had been able to talk to Kay without problems before. But then again, she had been completely honest with Kay. Maybe that was why. She could not--no, should not lie. For that was what she had almost done. When had lying become part of her programming? When had she been allowed to speak in whatever way she wished?

Looking fully at Minato, her face blank, she forged ahead. This time without the impediment. "I am coping. It has been difficult. Much has happened since we last met face to face."