[ Ah. Stephen's expression sobers entirely. Three quarters dead, and judging by the two he's already seen are living here they're all still kids or close enough. It's a big question to have to ask at any age. He can't help but to resent that they have to grapple with it at this one.

He nods his understanding, glances toward the couch in the living room. ]

Shall we sit?

[ Best achieve some comfort before his answers fail to provide any more. And maybe best to make that clear before making himself at home. ]

To warn you, I can't answer definitively. But I do have some insight, some previous adjacent experience. We can discuss theories.