[she's listening, and she's trying very hard to think of a kind, gentle way to say what it is that she wants to say. this kid is so, so entrenched in the absolute worst of it. it sounds like it's killing him. he's so willing to accept that he's just... the worst, by default. and who told him that? god? what the hell does god know?]

With all due respect, kid? 'Cause you told me not to worry about offending you, and all? [another beat.] That's a load of horseshit. You're sitting here talking about how these two girls were so nice to you even though they were supposed to be full of sin or whatever, and what, you're somehow full of sin yourself 'cause you made some friends?

[if she had a drink, or if she were smoking right now, this is where she would take a break to indulge in her vices. she doesn't have any of those, but her body still breathes out like she does.]

Nah. If shit like that turns people into the devil [and she is choosing to read it as a very pointed metaphor] then every single one of us turned into the devil years ago. You, me, those two. Probably those counselors, if they're good enough at lying to themselves. And if everyone's the devil, then no one is. You follow me?