[ If Alan remembered ever using that word, he probably would use it again just to see if it made her smile. Even if it made her roll her eyes at him, he'd still use it.

And in all honesty, he can't explain what it is that made him stop and hug her. He wouldn't call himself the comforting type, although he's not the type of person to just ignore someone who could use a hug or a hand to hold, even if that someone is still a stranger to him in many ways.

But the fact remains that Alan felt the need to carry out the gesture, and so he listened to that feeling and that need. Maybe he doesn't really understand her just yet, but just maybe he's already started to believe her.

When she finally speaks, he doesn't let go of her, but he doesn't tighten his grip too much either. ]

Bad things? [ He's trying his best to understand. This is all something he's never encountered before in his life, except for in nightmares. ] Bad things created from the darkness? Honestly, I'm just talking out of my ass here, but what else could make things like this happen? [ Maybe that's why he's latched onto her. She's seen firsthand what the darkness is capable of. ]

It's bigger than us. That's what I'm getting. [ What else could make people just disappear? What could turn ordinary people into these... these things? ]

What happened after? Did you ever get your brother back? [ That must be why she's here: she's looking for leads to help her find him. Maybe I can help with that too. ]