"What?" Steven squeaks. There are faceless people here? People are dying dying? Like dying more than dying? Steven makes a noise he'd be embarrassed to admit he made as he wrings his hands some more, pulling his fingers, rubbing his thumbs.

And then the most awkward kind of confused, hesitant laugh bubbles out from the base of his throat.

"You're pulling my leg, right? Nearly had me there. You could give Stephen a run for his money!" None of that can be real. Can it?