[ Eyebrows migrating steadily toward his hairline, Edward raises each hand slowly. Displays the vase, thin and lightweight. The watch, a meager buffer against bony knuckles. Then he looks, slowly and pointedly, toward her knife. States, more than asks: ] Do you think this strikes me as the opportune time for a joke?

[ And in case she does take that for sarcasm, because she does very much have a blade on him, ] I'm completely serious. I'm not following the thought process, here.