Harmless. Sure. Phi isn't quite ready to believe that one, but she'll let Meulin continue on regardless. Karkat's disposition isn't important enough to her to divert the interest in her other question.

When she hears the response, however, there's a darkness to her expression as she takes up the pen again.

That's a deceptive euphemism to use for death. Most people wouldn't call that Going Home. No thank you.