[...Come on, Elsa, you can do small talk. It's the only kind of talk she's been taught how to do. So what if this is her sister who won't tell her what happens in the future and who she has even more anxiety around now? She can do small talk. Her next words are with more confidence, more ease:]
They are, aren't they? I'm glad they've all treated you well. [But it's not really small talk they should be doing, is it?] --Actually, speaking of friendly, there's something I need to ask you.