Slowly, as if she's unsure of it, she raises a hand in front of her, and just... looks at it for a second or two, before clenching it, nodding. "That... I want to have that kind of strength." She sighs. "I w-want to stop being so useless... to stop having to hide all the time. I'm g-going to work hard so I can make a difference."

Winter realizes, belatedly, that her face is growing a little hot - she hadn't intended to let this much of herself show to someone she barely knows. But at the same time... who else was there to open up to? Banagher was willing to talk to her, plus he knew about the whole numbers... thing. So she could be honest with him. That was something she was growing to miss, even as little as she talked to other people as it was. He, and the others on the network, were a lifeline, people she could talk to without fear.

And she needed that, more than she'd ever let herself say aloud. It was at least partially the reason she'd come here today - sure, she wanted to read, but more than that, she wanted someone to talk to. Thankfully, she'd found someone, and she was grateful he was here. In spite of herself, even as worried as she was, Winter managed to give him a confident smile.