Ellie's right, of course. But her use of the past tense drives home for Clarisse in a way nothing else has, yet, just how far removed she is from everything and everyone she knows. Probably forever, now.

"Yeah," she echoes, and isn't sure what might come out of her mouth next. Thankfully, their server returns with to-go boxes and the check, which gives Clarisse something else to busy herself with. It's a relief, honestly. She never wanted to get either of them upset, not tonight, when they're supposed to be on this—this date. Thing. Hangout.

She starts dumping cheese fries into one of the boxes, then glances up at Ellie drinking her shake.

"If you're not done yet, we don't have to leave."