Oh Connie, you really, really are trying. And Futaba would... probably appreciate it under normal circumstances. Unfortunately, these are decidedly not normal. Her hand curls up uncomfortably, and underneath the mask she's incredulous. How did Connie not know? The rumor mill at her middle school had had a field day when it found out.

"Mom died," she say coldly, "Mom died and everyone.... Everyone...."

She can't say it. Nope.