[ Not much about her life inspires lightness, unfortunately. It's a miracle she's ever anything but miserable. (Alas, teasing her about Red Son would never work as intended, she doesn't get shy, as noted. Tease Red Son, it'll be way more effective and fun.) ]

I've done similar things too. The greater good is a lofty ideal but can be hard and ugly in practice.

I didn't mean to try and solicit your help, you just got here after all. Surely you have better things to do than fiddle around with my ridiculous life. I was more hoping you'd keep Red Son from dwelling too much in those things, you seem like you'd be good at keeping someone's spirits up. [ By hook or by crook. ] The person who's closest to Red Son besides me is my husband, and as you can imagine he'll be preoccupied with his own worries if things go badly again.

[ Yes she's married and also has other romantic partners, her species doesn't do monogamy and frankly she finds the concept ridiculous. Humans are so weird. ]