Maybe it was all the crying she'd done earlier, or the ambiance of thr girls' lavatory, or even maybe she just actually felt like being nice. She wouldn't admit to that, though, and instead decided that it was because there was solidarity in misery and they were swimming in it. "Don't mention it," because she really did not want the gratitude. "Can't ever let them see you at your lowest," she said out loud (mostly as a reminder to herself, and also for Coretta.)

Her attention had returned back to her reflection - she checked to make sure that she'd applied an even coat to the areas that needed attention - before placing the tub back in her bag. Unfortunately, Coretta did not leave right away and was, instead, insistent on having conversation. Amazing. With all of the politeness she could muster, she replied in a calm, even tone. "Now that is a good question that I do not have an answer for." She didn't, she couldn't even tell Daisy about this, so what made Ethel think that she'd tell her? But, still. "I'm in mourning," she said simply, before asking her: "O.W.L.s stress?"