[That he doesn't immediately demand she leave helps to steady her in some small way, pulling her out of her head and back to reality. This is her cousin, not her older brother, she recites -- and he's alive, and scared.

(of her)

...]

I-I'm sure the memory was scary. [God, she tries to keep her voice steady and curses herself for that tremble at the very beginning] Here, I'll -- I'll go get dinner, and then bring it for you.

We can always talk later, when you're ready.