[ He just levels a stare in her direction that says he doesn't believe her. She matters. Where she comes from and who she is matters. He knows she's from Maine because she said that, but he's more interested in her story. But at the moment, he doesn't have enough of his wits about him to argue about that or press her for answers. About the pages and about Alice? That's another story. ]

I don't have time to just sit here. Alice is in danger somehow, and I have to do something about it. We might be in a rough patch, but I can't just ignore what's going on. [ Unless what's going on isn't really happening, and Alice isn't in danger. But then did I just make all this up? That doesn't help me feel any better or less crazy.

But he can't ignore the way his knees wobble or the feeling of unsteadiness that suddenly takes him, and when she pushes him to sit down, the move takes him by surprise. It surprises him enough that he just falls onto the couch and stays there. He doesn't move to lie down as she's telling him to, because he's still looking at her. There's a question in his eyes, and he hesitates for a second before he asks it. ]

It's stupid, and insane, but- I'm in way over my head here. You're probably going to say no, and shove me out of your place as soon as you can, but-

[ What am I doing? Why am I asking for her help? But whatever, she's going to say no, I know she is. ]

I could use another person, another set of eyes looking at things. But... you probably have other things you're doing, and I wouldn't expect you to want to get involved anyway.

[ He leans back against the couch, suddenly feeling exhausted, but he can't allow himself to stop. Not yet.

Five minutes. Or ten. That's all I can afford. ]