"More than half, I think." If the trip into misery and depression was a tumble down a hill, the returning climb towards joy was equivalent to scaling a mountain. Each step upwards posed another risk of falling again, each handhold threatened to crumble beneath her grip. Remaining in the dark, in her misery and depression, was easy, comfortable even. She knew her surroundings here, understood how to function within this world as she was. The simple act of deciding to rise meant she had to once again question everyone and everything. More than that, Rosalie had to somehow open herself up to another potential devastating heartbreak.

Rosalie didn't have it within herself to think further upon that at present.

Her expression softened at his optimism. Mr. Gallivan hadn't ever been anything but kind to her and she had no cause to distrust him. Trying. Trusting him on this was trying, which was more than half the battle. "Okay. I will take your word on it." She consented. Then, a beat later she added, "for now, would you dance with me? Save us both the headache of having to interact with those we don't know?"

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