[ He stared back at her, concerned for both her story and the expression on her face. This poor girl, coming from such a world...it was no wonder she seemed to be so easily startled. ]

From the sound of it, the damage was done long before you were born, you shouldn't be so hard on yourself.

[ Still, it was terrifying to think that 'only 40 murders a month' was considered a drop in the statistics. He hesitated for a moment, focusing on the floor before he reached up to place a hand on the top of her head. ]

As much as I hate to give any praise to this place, maybe it's for the best that you ended up here; it seems far safer than what you've described.