Silence, Lifted

It's been a little too long since my last post and I've been home for nearly a week.
There has been plenty of time for reflection. Plus, Muffin thinks that if I don't write soon, you'll think I've skipped town for good or killed someone or gotten my dang luggage left in the rain (two lies and a truth). In reality, the trip was blessed and wonderful, excepting transportation and the lingering smell of hot poo.
I did make a note to transcribe for you two instances:
[After much discussion of her fathers' diabetes and the diabetic's enormous responsibility] Me: Wow, it sounds like your dad could really use an insulin pump.
She: I don't understand.
Me: It seems like it would remove some of the stress on your family if your dad's insulin was regulated for him with a pump like [other kid on trip]
She: What?
Me: What?
She: I don't get it.

Later, following a discussion about Happy Fun Notes (positive messages written from trip participants to each other):
She: So I made a list and I think I wrote about 17 notes, but then I think I ended up writing a couple to the same people, and I'm not sure! I don't want them to think I'm a stalker.
Me: It sounds like these notes are adding some stress to your life.
She: What?
Me: The happy fun notes are causing some serious social pressure.
She: I don't understand. I think you and I have some trouble communicating.
Me: [dumbfounded. silent.]
She: Maybe we shouldn't talk anymore. Let's just draw pictures.
Me: Yeah, based on what we've got going right now, I'm not sure that would work either.