I was lucky to be the recipient of such an endeavor, then. [pours the tea, one of her favorite blends, and then sits back with his own cup, unsweetened] That's actually why I asked you here. I wanted to apologize for my behavior. I was not a fiercely kind child, and was often suspicious of others without cause. Thank you for your patience in what I consider a time of need.

[He gives her a rueful smile, but the slightly stiff way he holds his cup says he's still embarrassed, no matter how gracious she's being.]