Kainé's immediate reaction to Anna's dejection is cruel satisfaction that she's managed to score a blow in turn. But within seconds that just makes her feel worse, filled with ugly self-loathing. There's too much blood, too many scars. Why did she think she could be happy like this? How long will it take the corruption to claim a filthy creature like her?

Kainé's jaw sets in tension, and its only when Anna volunteers that piece of her history, that vulnerability, that her shoulders relax. She takes the ladle to the sink, setting it aside for future cleaning. All that's left is letting it simmer long enough to cook the potatoes.

"Girl like you, huh? Just a lesbian, or some machine person? Or a soul-fused whatever." She ignores the strange feeling of... disappointment? Deflated hope? No, surely it's jealousy.