I wish we had, too. [Her tone is no less wistful, but there's more to it, something closer to regret there for all that lost time...]

You know, you're...the first real friend I've ever had. [Her voice is soft, confessional, her gaze fixed on Duchess as her cheeks turn pink with the admission.] I've moved so much, I never really got a chance to make friends...parents make other kids invite you to their birthday parties, teachers force the rest of the class to make you feel welcome...

You're the first friend I've ever...made.