[ She absentmindedly starts petting him, trying to calm herself down now that he's no longer struggling. ]

Because we're friends. I don't know what you think of me, and I wouldn't be surprised if you didn't think the same way. I see you as my friend, though, and I care about you.

[ And you told her you wouldn't disappear on her like that again, boy. :| Not that you remember it. ]