It sounds deceptively simple, the way Gela puts it. Just say you're sorry, but be specific, and don't do whatever it is again. If the person doesn't believe you, let it be.

"All right." Clarisse sounds a little bit mystified, like all of this has never occurred to her before. Is it that easy for everybody else? Has it been that easy the whole time, and she's just been making life harder for herself?

She sips her tea. It's good.

"Does it embarrass you?" she asks, without intending to. "When you apologize to someone?"