She snorts, derisive. "True enough, but even this woman from the UN hasn't been able to do much. Maybe because it is such a boys club wouldn't help."

Actually having someone to reassure, not sound just as irritated or exhausted as herself, it felt amazing. Right up there with a luxury cruise and buttery toast. "Careful, or I'll start expecting breakfast in bed." She feels a bit stupid and childish, but incredibly grateful for the patience at the same time.

Ellie sighs, and rubs her forehead. Honesty game, was it? "Relying people is almost as hard as not having anyone to rely on. Especially when they aren't around." One of her sad, not quite smiles appears. "You might not like where that ends up, Steph."