[she wishes he hadn't asked. he's right to ask, of course, but still.

her head tilts down and away from him.]

She made an example of you. And left me to ruminate on it. [her voice is quieter to keep level, her sentences spaced to give her room to breathe. it helps.]

And when she returned once more to collect... Darin stopped her. He--

[the sounds had been horrifying. the squeal, the snap.

she exhales.]

He stopped her.