Sorry I feel like a jerk for asking this... when what you wrote has a lot more importance. But I just have to ask...
After silence for a heartbeat or two he'd say
When you use phrases like this, it brings more depth and imagery to what you're saying. It's quite a talent, and I know it flows out of you so easily....
I can't help but think you must have been an avid reader prior to being a writer. Would you finish a novel every week or two for a period in your life?
I'm curious.