Perhaps it is too much of a tell, but she truly doesn't give a damn - she's practically boneless for petting, her plans to find her cigarettes (and a lighter, mustn't forget that, she's... pretty sure she has one around here somewhere, drat) put on temporary hold.

"You have a talent, Emcee, for inspiring one's best effort." Her own voice is still hoarse, the sound of it making her wonder about her neighbors. Maybe they got some good inspiration. "Like begets like, and that sort of thing."