"No," Steph says again, folding her arms, going still.

(it's like he's cutting her up with words, sharp and tearing and all the more hurtful because, at least a little bit, they're true. But only inside. She can't - won't - show it.)

"You need me because if you don't have anyone to shout at or make you feel things you'll turn into an iceblock yourself and you'll think that's OK."