Hermia flags for just a second when I explain. I'm sure she was wishing that it was some problem she could help me fight, not my own disillusionment.

I try to smile again, "I can't promise I'll go right back to being straight and narrow again. But I can try it. Everyone, the Town...me. We all deserve better than some of what I've been putting out there."

I finally pull my hand back for Hermia so I can sip my now-cooling tea, "Maybe it's a bit off, but I hadn't figured that anyone really noticed. You two are the first who've really questioned me on it. Guess I'm better at putting people off than I thought."