It's frustrating to know they're so close to broaching the subject without her having to call it by its name. Amelia sighs heavily as she takes a sip of ginger ale, needing a moment to think before she tries again. The last thing she needs is to let her frustration turn into anger and make things even more difficult and upsetting. It's a hard temptation to resist.

"The children aren't an issue." She wants to make that very clear. He's not hiding behind them, but he's deflecting and she wants to take that option off the table before he tries to use it further. "I understand they can be stressful at times, but this has been going on far longer than the length of time you've been looking after them."

With another sigh, she pushes aside her glass and looks Thor in the eyes - or attempts to, anyway. "This time last year, you were dealing with loss and responsibilities far greater than what you have now. Things are different now. Better in some ways, but worse in others." Despite her best effort, her face takes on a pained edge. "Did you ever let go of the heaviest burdens? Or are you hiding them with something else?"