He doesn't move or flinch or pull back. It's not his instinct to do any of those things at physical contact, only to freeze. It sets off alarm bells in his head, right away, just a brief second where fear takes hold of him. Old habits, difficult to shake.
But... the touch is gentle and kind. Genuine. That makes all the difference.]
Even half seems like hoping for too much.
[His voice is quiet there, almost a mutter, but he shakes his head.]
I'm sorry. Truly. You wanted to meet that boy again and I don't think I'm much like that at all anymore.
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He doesn't move or flinch or pull back. It's not his instinct to do any of those things at physical contact, only to freeze. It sets off alarm bells in his head, right away, just a brief second where fear takes hold of him. Old habits, difficult to shake.
But... the touch is gentle and kind. Genuine. That makes all the difference.]
Even half seems like hoping for too much.
[His voice is quiet there, almost a mutter, but he shakes his head.]
I'm sorry. Truly. You wanted to meet that boy again and I don't think I'm much like that at all anymore.
It was not my intent to disappoint you.