(there is a moment there in which all he can do is raise his eyebrows at the comment, looking at kim from head to toe a few times, before the sharp hollow gaze returns to the stranger. so many things that went a little off - how come he hasn't heard a peep from the other line, as the silence looms?)

She wouldn't hold a candle to my mom. She died. You will be dead too, if you don't explain to me exactly what you've heard.

(the steps towards the other don't cease once they start.)