This stupid turtle story again. She had no idea what the hell actually went on, but it helped to make pitying noises and agree-- and, playing her part, she winced, looking away as if squeamish, hands up to block her sight as if it'd go away if she didn't see it.

"Ew, sweetie, don't play with it, it'll just make it worse."

No commentary on the offer for food-- as far as Mona was concerned, Alex could go fuck himself, but she'd play it safe until she was sure she wouldn't get herself thrown out; if that meant feeding him, so be it, but until then she wasn't going to insist too hard.