[ It might be the best word for it, but it doesn't put her at ease. Even now she feels tense, on edge, like she's walking a fairly thin line with nothing but a steep drop on either side, and one wrong step -

There was a time, she thinks, when she used to be able to rely on all her brothers. They all looked after her, in their own ways. But the things she considers bringing up now - she's held onto them inside for too long to consider opening up. There are secrets that are simply her own to bear, regardless of whether or not talking about it would ease the burden of silence. And maybe, she thinks, maybe she doesn't truly deserve to have these weights lifted from her. Not when she hasn't been entirely good. ]

Somehow that doesn't sound like a compliment.

[ There's a bit of the old affection in her gaze as she glances at him then, but to see him reach for his shoulder, to try and alleviate the long-suffering injury - it all goes as suddenly as it had come. She pauses and listens - to the slow buzz of a nearby oscillating fan and then, further out, the sound of distant waves. ]

It's just - you have priorities, you have ideas, and then - it all seems a little...

[ She trails off, inevitably landing on the word as she stares towards some far-off point. ]

Selfish.