In all honesty, Thanatos was not even remotely prepared for Philotes to reply to him. He knew she wasn't going to give up. She was a rather persistent little goddess, and that wasn't an insult. Than firmly believed she would develop into a rather strong woman. He preferred to believe this rather than subscribing to the notion that, surrounded by far gloomier siblings, young Lottie would fade off into the background as she grew up. No, she wouldn't give up without a fight. She would be strong.
It just would've been nice, really, if Lottie had given up on the persistence just this once. Mostly because why was the most horrifying question Than had ever heard, and it took every bit of control to fight back this particular grimace. Why, indeed.
He cleared his throat to buy some time, his brow giving away the turning wheels of thought. Lottie was young, but certainly she knew what he got up to every day. She had to at least have some idea.
This was all a bit distressing, but Lottie wasn't badgering him. She wasn't teasing him either. For those two facts alone, she deserved a proper response. Thanatos hated when their other siblings teased him, and Lottie never did.
"Well, Lottie, I imagine that's because not very many souls appreciate the fact that they're dead," he carefully began. Than weighed each word before he spoke. Even then, he sounded just as uncomfortable as he felt. "They like to complain, or attempt to bargain, or whine. It's a terrible amount of pleading, and if you're like me, that's simply annoying, but I imagine for someone as kind as you, it might be a bit heartbreaking. Some of these souls are young, even by mortal standards. They like to say they should have more time, as if I have any say in the matter."