"It will be," Annabelle insists, holding up her hands in a disarming sort of placating gesture. "Lauren absolutely will return to normal in time."

These aren't hollow words; unlike Lauren, Annabelle feels it's more impossible there wouldn't be a way to reverse it, through all of realm and time. "But... while... your brother is—readjusting, it's not safe to be too close to him for long periods of time so long as your heart beats."