[ The kid curls up, and he settles back in his chair in response. At least this might save them another embarrassing sprawl on the floor, for a bit. ]

Yes to both.

[ He says it low and gentle. ]

Paul went down a little after you, I figure. He got it right in the heart... but he didn't walk away. The beast fell not long after that.

But death is gentle, here. We just wake back up again... as though it were a dream.