Her response catches him by surprise and his eyes narrow slightly as he watches her go back to work. He wasn't pitying her, but trying to get to know her a little better. Something tells him saying so out loud won't sound very different to her.

He sits up, leaning forward. His voice is still conversational, but like Root, the lightness is gone. There's a point behind this, one that is obvious, but bears saying out loud. "We all have to trust each other a little here."