Startled, Julian had to readjust his aim as he hadn't really expected an answer from the beast. But now that it had spoken, he couldn't simply shoot and get it over with.

"You're giving them happiness just so you can use them", Julian answered. Suddenly, he remembered his own feelings of happiness he had experienced here and the night he and Janie had spent at the beach, and he almost lost his resolve to leave. He quickly glanced at Janie and back at the monster, then cleared his throat before continuing.

"Let them go. All of us. If you release us now, we will leave in peace and not harm you."