Eric kept completely still, in that way only dead things can be - there's no movement for breath or heartbeat, or even blinking. He just sat there, arms not moving to hold her or comfort her or even pat her on the back. They stayed stretched along the back of the couch, and his eyes stayed on the top of Cassie's head.

"Are you almost finished?" ...What? At least his tone isn't condescending, merely inquisitive.