It takes Steph a moment to connect the large paw to her mental image of Rue, but once she does she gives them her hand. So that's what Rue is. She should probably be more surprised, but she supposes she's not in any state to react like a person.

No, talking through the memories won't help. But she owes Rue an explanation. And if they're going to know what happened, then they have to know the part Steph played in it. Anything else feels too much like running away, denying responsibility for the lives that were lost.

But god, where does she even start? She chooses her word carefully. No need to make this more confusing than it already is.

"I... made a really dumb decision, and a really bad mistake, a few years ago."