The laugh she gives probably comes across as a pity laugh, but it's not, and the smile on her face, though shaky, is utterly genuine. Her head dips as she squeezes another 'no', though whether she's saying it to being carried or being treated is up to John to decipher.

It's both, actually.

Being carried, for this reason, feels over the top and taps right into that self conscious thing she has going on. As much as she'll feed into his hero complex at any other time, she feels ridiculous being the catalyst.

Also, it seems important to mention, so she manages, "It's the first time."

She doesn't sound like herself at all.