Beth starts to shrug, then realizes it might seem like she doesn't want Sonia's hand on her shoulder. (Really, she's not sure she cares much one way or another. This is a story everyone living shares, back home; it feels a little strange to be comforted over something that happens to everyone who's unlucky enough not to die by a blow to the head.) So she nods instead, a sort of thanks without quite saying it.

And instead, she looks for something nice to say about Barrayar. Nicer than you must really appreciate it once spring comes. "You don't have walkers here. Means you're a little safer."