[There's a tension in the air, like a spiderweb about to snap from the weight of a storm, and Connie wants to tremble just as much. So badly, so very badly, she doesn't want to mess this up.]

[This might be even more important than learning the grip of a sword, or the twist of her steps.]

No. I won't.

[A wobbly smile, shaking where the rest of her body won't, but for a quagmire of reasons.]

If I did that... Steven would cry, and I'd never be able to live with myself. Just...

[She swallows, but even then, her voice still cracks a little in the middle.]

Just promise you won't drown me again. No hurting each other.