And you hardly even look to be in your thirties. [ her gaze drops to anna's hand, watching it carefully. still, she doesn't seem stressed - not even a bit. ] You're not even middle-aged. No need to act like you're done growing yet.

[ it's not intended cruelly. she almost sounds like she's chiding the other woman. still, anna's left her a good chunk to think about, and so she shrugs. ]

There's nothing one can do about the circumstances they're born into. [ short. matter-of-fact. ] It's only the part afterward one can control. And rest assured, I fully intend to life of my choosing here.