[ The joke makes him chuckle, then shake his head in reply. ]

No, it's definitely not alive. But I can still use the energy around it, or feel the energy left behind when someone touches it. [ He pauses again, his expression thoughtful, still figuring out how best to explain this to someone completely new to the concept of the Force. ]

Nothing exists on its own. Everything is connected through the Force, in its own way. It's just that living things are different. I had a Master who would call us luminous beings—it's kind of like we're beacons of light in the Force.

[ He looks at her hopefully. Is this making any sense at all? ]