[They're quiet as Julie tries her level best to eke all of that out, blinking a bit at the thought of it all...

But once she finally trails off, they turn their head to look up at her properly this time. Not just looking at her in the mirror.]

No, you may use that word if you truly feel it. I would not want you to stifle yourself and how you feel just because I am unused to hearing something in particular.
I'm sure that... if, someday, you do decide you feel something different behind it.
I will be able to tell.