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I may have to buy it from her or find a replacement. $229 from Elderly. I guess it all comes down to the fact that it was in my care. I don't mind if I have to buy her a new one. I can certainly have fun with this one. You are right Booli . . . "A Kala uke can be easily replaced, a very good, loyal, honest friend, not so much."
I'm going to go out on a limb here...
I think that if you have the financial means, and acquire a replacement in advance of her return, and then when you tell the story, present her with a NEW replacement uke, there would be little for her to object to, and likely her opinion of you and your integrity will be very high...
and might I emphasize that if you have a potential romantic interest here, anything less is likely to ruin your chances of her having an interest in you, in the same way you might be thinking of her...
Even if no romance is at risk here, if you do the right thing, and follow the path of the moral high ground, worst case scenario is that your wallet is lighter and she will not become your companion (I know I could be fantasizing and could be assuming a lot here), but you can feel vindicated in taking responsibility, and being accountable for what happened, instead of making excuses and being on the defense...and at the very least you will sleep well at night with a clear conscience.
I am also willing to admit that I could be reading this all wrong and could be giving very bad advice, for I cannot walk in your shoes, so maybe and please do not blindly follow my suggestions here, but rather consider how your own application of these thoughts might best serve your interests, and understand that I am no expert in these matters, nor pretend to be.
I am just trying to think of what I might be able to do, in order to achieve the greatest good for all involved, if something like this were to occur in my own life...
Truly, I wish only for the best possible outcome for you.