"Nadine's got, uh, spirit," Neil states, as if stating mere facts. "Probably bounced back from sheer willpower. Plus, she does have a lot to lose if she keeled over." Such as a mother waiting for her desperately on that rickety pier. "We're kinda the exceptions. Most lose themselves in that experience."

Become a mere husk of their former selves.

The answer given surprises him, enough for Neil to look at Alex with concern. "Why do you say that?"