[Lucy had tons of optimism until she had a talk with her step-grandma, and before Emma left. She was trying to break the curse, and after having Henry leave and seeing her mother kiss another man, it was hard to have that hope. It was hard to keep going, so being in Quarantine and seeing Emma, her hope came back. Now, it's half empty. But, she's slowly getting back there. Slowly, but surely, and having Victor--and now Jim, be patient will help her.]

It's complicated...like...the stuff soap operas as made of. [There's a faint smile there, and it's followed up with a questioning look. He did know what soap operas were too, right? She just wanted to make sure! That way nothing got lost in translation.]

...Even when it seems hopeless?

[Because it certainly did before she passed out and woke up in Quarantine.]

...you had a step-parent? [The question is asked softly and it's answered soon enough. Lucy stayed quiet, listening to Jim's words, trying to picture him as a small child and the life he had before. She could only imagine what sort of man his step-parent was, and it didn't seem like he had much of an easy life. Sort of...like a coming of age tale, where the hero had a rough start, but came around and became something greater...

And there was a farm too. Of course there was.

But, he was trying not to be like his step-parent. Jim didn't want to put someone else through that situation, and for that she was glad she told him what was on her mind. They had way more in common than she initially thought. She was starting to warm up to him a little bit more.]

I don't get why step-parents have to be mean. It's the same in most stories: they treat their step-kids poorly for one reason or another...and it's never justified. It's never warranted. [There's a shake of her head and a slight sigh. She would never understand these things.]

I'm starting to like you a little more. So maybe...we could start over?