"You remind me of someone I know."
She's heard this phrase a few times over the years, on the odd occasion she's come across a reincarnation of an old friend, and her usual response is to smile indulgently, redrect with a small joke about fated lovers or friends and find a way to let them ignore what is right there in front of them until the right time was truly upon them.
It was painful, but in a sweet way, knowing that the people she loved in one life had never truly forgotten her as they lived new lives.
Knowing that despite being left behind, there was at least some small path forward to catch up.
This time, here and now, with her old friend sitting there and looking at her like he's on the verge of seeing her and not the playful 'apprentice magician'... just right there and ... ... ...
She can't do it again. She can't just simper and smile and will away that hope that he'll meet her gaze and remember the days of running from lessons and stealing from the kitchens and games--
Her face softens, but not enough to be considered a smile, and she looks away from his gaze.
"Oh?" She pushes to keep her tone light, hands balling nervously into fists.
"I suppose it is an honour to be compared to someone you know, why don't you tell me about them?"
She won't get her hopes up that he remembers her.