[ Once again, she realizes too late how that sounds: flippant and ignorant of everything he and his people are going through. ]

I- I didn't mean it like that. Of course it would be hard to smile when in a situation like yours. [ Whatever it is, since she still doesn't know what struggle they're actually facing. Her ears lower as does her tail, because she feels helpless to actually do anything for them, no matter how much she wishes she could.

If she had a hood of her own, she would use it to hide her eyes from him right now, because she feels as though she doesn't deserve his praise or his admiration, not after just upsetting him. ]

What can I do to help you right now? [ Her earlier thought that she might continue showing him around the city feels foolish in light of his reactions, but she must do something truly meaningful and more than just a well-intentioned but ultimately pointless request to smile. ]