[...dying? That mushi would have - killed him? Once again, her hands fist in the covers and she instinctively opens her eyes a crack - bad idea, even under the compress. Her body goes tense, but she manages to muffle the quick intake of breath that accompanies it.]

You're not a mushi. It had no right to do that - to bind its life to yours.

[Anger is so much more comfortable than fear - and after a moment she says:] No - I don't think mushi are like spirits. Spirits have a purpose, and they interact with the world and with people for that reason. Mushi are more like animals. Part of the world - but not like us.