She does appreciate that he wants to do this right. Not that she thought he’d be trying to cut corners. It’s more...well, her total lack of experience contrasted against his years of training. Meeting in the middle is going to be a unique challenge. And she can tell that he’s taking his safety measures seriously. She can’t help but smile a little when he reinforces the alternative to a tap out. “I promise I’ll stop if I need to,” she reassures him.

There’s a moment’s indecision when he indicates they’ll begin when she’s ready. For a second, Karen thinks he means that she should...rush him or something, which truly doesn’t make sense. It’s just his posture as he finishes his own stretching, and she can’t help but laugh a little. It’s a quick loosening of nerves.

“I’m ready.” As she’ll ever be. Even when she doesn’t know what to expect, she’s always willing to try.