"Are you askin' me for... permission to hold back on chemo because you're afraid it's gonna make you look weak?" Sookie asks incredulously, blinking down at Sarah's hands, instinctively reaching out in the hopes that she'll stop fidgeting. Her words are still soft in spite of the surprise, aware as Sookie is of the fact that Sarah's not the only one who has trouble accepting such an illness. It's not easy to be someone strong, and then suddenly find out that it's all temporary. That weakness can hit as randomly as anything else. "No, Sarah..."

She swallows thickly, brows furrowing to keep any tears from brimming in her eyes, even as she feels them burning, just seconds away. "Sarah, you've gotta choose what's best for you in the long run. If you need help watchin' out for yourself, if you need help protecting yourself, lord, there are so many people on the island who'd be willing to do that."