"I know," Max answers with a quiet nod. "Sometimes I think about letting him do it again but... it doesn't feel right to." Too many people would be upset about it. That's more of a deterrent than the pain. "I hope he knows how much he's helped me actually become my own person. He's done a lot."

Max is being kind, but he also believes what he's saying so his reply is just slightly pouty. "I mean, yeah, but..." But she doesn't need him to argue on her behalf, does she?

"Wanting cake? Not sure I know exactly what you're talking about but, speaking of. I do owe you all the sweets so let's get started on that."