[There's a pause. A very obvious one, because that's the second time he has heard of someone dying that should not be dead—who was very much alive last he knew.
Or, perhaps he speaks of him dying here? All of this is far too much.]
...When you speak of his passing, do you mean he died while he was here?
gently slips a "not" in there before the "with" shhhshhh
Or, perhaps he speaks of him dying here? All of this is far too much.]
...When you speak of his passing, do you mean he died while he was here?
[He asks, but then promptly:]
Name not that thing after me.