Her shoulders visibly hunch at the voice, the now tainted voice, and Anne must consciously suppress a shudder as she looks over to the source. The Once-ler, the strange man who indeed lives by his not-name, taller than any she knows, even her own dear husband.

Swallowing dryly, Anne forces a small smile. It isn't too difficult, because despite it all, she is glad to see he is well with her own eyes. Ted had already told her, as he often tells her so many interesting things, but it is always different to know for oneself.

Eye contact. Because she's a professional.

"And what will they do? Drag me back like a sack of flour, as they did from that ship? I think not."