And to keep others from getting hurt. At least here, I can do that. [She looks out the window at the repetitive circle of houses, all identical, all just as empty as this one.] You really don't understand, do you? And they say I'm sheltered...

[She crosses her arms and leans back. Her eyes are sharper, evaluating. There's a fire brewing beneath, of course. She remembers why she hated to live in this family, how weak they made her feel.]

The past doesn't matter. In this world, I need to feed on fear and pain, or else I'm powerless to defend myself. Like you are. Right now.