Maelle's mouth hangs open, ready to argue and point out that this is a miserable time to start an argument, but each statement makes the crease between her brows deepen more and more.

"You weren't a replacement for Gustave," she says, finally, because that's what bothers her the most. He could never be a replacement for Gustave. It's insulting, and Maelle struggles to find the words without being hurtful. "You're not some... some wind-up toy, here to play a tune when I'm bored. You're Verso. And I.. I don't understand why you keep trying to get away."

Because that's what this feels like.

"Do you want us to leave you alone?" No. The real question: "Do you want me to leave you alone?"