... I think he thought I deserved to know. I...

[ ... she didn't want to, really, if she's completely honest with herself. She could have done without knowing. But here they are. ]

Please, don't be angry at him. He ... he's always been there to protect me. He was just trying to help.

[ ... after a moment, she closes the gap, approaching him and laying a gentle hand on his shoulder. It takes rather more calculation than she'd like, in this environment. ]

... why did you say that?