Pema paused for a moment, then stared directly at him, "Mr. Riagan, can I ask... why do you care where I go?"
"P-Pema!" Salem stammered out, "Why would you ask him that?"
Her gaze stood, unwavering, "My friends... I've seen them. I know them. They're really kind and I look up to a lot of them. You... I'm sure you're not a bad guy or anything, but... I honestly don't know how much I can trust you..."
"That's enough," Salem said firmly.
She rubbed her arm, brows furrowed, "I'm sorry... You know, my Mommy always told me to see the best in people. Find the light," She placed a hand on her heart, "Sometimes, that light is hard to find. Mr. Riagan, I want to understand you. I want to see you. Just tell me... why. Why are you helping me? All of that hate... anger... and what you did to that Doll lady... I... I can't..."
Pema ran a hand through her hair, her eyes shut as she shook her head, attempting to dismiss the haunting images of Doll Master's remains from her mind.