[At those words, she gives his hand a tight squeeze, closing her eyes.]

...I'd offer to tell you some kind of story if it would help, but I'm afraid I don't know many happy ones. I don't have many cheerful memories, and the kinds of tales my society teaches the children aren't very cheerful, either.

[Still, there's a thoughtful lilt to her voice. She's trying to drag her tired mind into thinking of something.]