[The young human takes a few more steps before stopping to catch his breath, or re-establish his center of gravity. They're only about ten steps in and barely anywhere near floor six. And if Gabriel is shocked at William's language he doesn't know anything about it, keeping his grey eyes fixed on the steps so there's no chance in his mind of falling up or down them.]

Nothing else works. What am I meant to do, pretend everything is fine? It's hard work and I just like to sleep without thinking of all the crap when I lie down. [It's not a lie, but then William can't see how badly he's coping at the whole thing.] A few drinks never killed anyone.