[The earth-and-rain scent is a very calming one for Lucy, who has lived in Kansas for a good portion of her life, and she relaxes unconsciously.]

Would you mind telling me about the extent of the . . . curse? Is it small things going wrong occasionally, or big things going wrong constantly?

[The second thing . . . might be trickier. The deep breath isn't a problem, but what would be the opposite of protective? Wanting to attack someone? It's not a concept that comes easily to her, but she'll try.]