I agree. No one friend can replace another, but another can offer a hand when you cannot focus on anything else. Do you truly think, that even as someone of my position, I only did my work? One of my greatest passions is watching television, to take in the lives of others to perhaps understand a little of the lives my subjects may hold so I may understand what is best for them. Being alone is not good for anyone.

In fact, I will share one secret with you. [ Her voice softens even further. ] My friends at home, some of them rather, are locked in a pod in a coma. They are unable to wake up. I may make friends here, but none of the friends here will replace those waiting for me at home. It is just a matter of waiting until we meet again.

Perhaps, one day, you will be able to see your friend again. When that happens, I am sure that they would prefer to know that you did not close in on yourself either.

[ It's a lot of words, probably too much information, but she wants to drive the point home. ]