No! I don't think any of this is easy. Just because we're not together any more doesn't mean I don't care about you, Steve. [ She can still feel the way her stomach had tightened in panic when he'd been dragged down into the lake. The way that there had been no question about jumping in after him.]

I'm not trying to make this even harder. I just don't want to give Vecna any more ammunition. I knew if I told Jonathan the truth that he'd be upset. And there's a possibility that he would say something to you about it. I wanted you to be prepared. That's all.