He could feel her energy ebb at the mention of her mother. It saddened him to know that his little spiel might have hurt her, but he knew it was ludicrous to feel guilty because her mom was gone.

"I don't wanna get you down...but you mind if I ask about your mom?" he returned hesitantly, reaching across the table to take her hand with a warm squeeze. "I don't wanna stir up any bad memories or anything..."