I had to take a long pause after reading this and think carefully at what I'm about to write.
After all, lives are at stake!
But seriously, after the obvious (and sincere) gratitude I feel to what you wrote, there's also the understanding that the happiness - albeit a very small part of it - of people really depends on my actions.
So I want to be very clear and very truthful in what I tell you (and others) on the issue you raise.
First of all, Paula will not "suffer" - unless you want her to or let her.
That's an important part of what the game is about.
But I'll emphasize this: she doesn't
need to suffer, but it all depends on you.
As a last note, I will say this about the game and the characters: I come - as I've stated quite a few times - from the art of storytelling. Both as a writer and a director. So whatever my game and characters will be, you
will feel stuff for them and about them.
You may like it, or you may not - but feel you will.
So take care