[ what does she want? it feels like an eternity—it feels like a cycle—since she's heard that question, in that same kind, anchoring voice. ]

... I want... [ elster hesitates, coming up blank. she takes a breath, speaking a little more certainly next. ] ... Let's take this one thing at a time. All I want right now for us is a moment to breathe, and to make sure you're safe.

[ it's a deflection. she's... not great at those, but she has no idea how to answer the question yet either. ]

Nothing else matters.