[More accurate has him nodding, looking down, face hidden for it as toes a moss-covered rock over for a tangible excuse to keep it just that. Yes, make it obvious he knows she can handle herself but give a pinch to the pride, being caught—well done, Will.
It takes a moment before he asks, trying to keep his tone as neutral as possible.]
Why's her being a kid matter so much?
[He's unfortunately well-acquainted with children who kill. Kids killing kids isn't something he's been able to avoid in his work. His own views on childhood and how society treats children can be a warped, screaming mess at the best of times. But this isn't judgment (oh you thinking kids aren't as fucked up as adults)—it's genuine curiosity, nothing negative in it.]
no subject
It takes a moment before he asks, trying to keep his tone as neutral as possible.]
Why's her being a kid matter so much?
[He's unfortunately well-acquainted with children who kill. Kids killing kids isn't something he's been able to avoid in his work. His own views on childhood and how society treats children can be a warped, screaming mess at the best of times. But this isn't judgment (oh you thinking kids aren't as fucked up as adults)—it's genuine curiosity, nothing negative in it.]