[Oh, she can judge. It doesn't stop the funny, bitter smile from creaking across his cheeks. He meets her eyes with a strange brand of resignation. Grief. Low-thrumming dread.]

On any other occasion, I'd whole-heartedly agree — except it's not something you fight with force. It's more about pliability of the mind. Easier to confront the unbelievable when you're young and willing to believe. As grown men and women...

[He trails off. Looks to the side with a sigh.]

As kids, we came down to square off against it and all seven of us walked out of there with our skins in tact. Scared to death, but alive.

This time? There's about three left. Four, if we're lucky and Mike pulls through. I don't know. Maybe it picked the rest of them off after taking care of me.

...Guess I'll have to find out at the end of our funny little program.