LOREN
Just because Loren was better with touch didn’t mean he had his relapses. As Phoebe retreated, he closed his eyes, making sure to focus on regulating his breathing. ”Growing up, the only times people touched me were to hurt me.” At least, those were the only times he really remembered. ”I’m...better now. But I still slip back into feeling that way sometimes.” Picking up the hand she’d squeezed, he rubbed it, almost as if trying to recapture the feeling of simple comfort.
As the conversation turned to his potential future, the Launceleyn opened his eyes and turned to stare at the healer. ”Even if that doesn’t work for others?” Because it seemed to him that there were many types of strength that would fit him well. But that didn’t mean they were right for him, or for the world. Though maybe that meant they didn’t work. As for second, third, fourth, whatever new beginning this was, he already knew that part, though it bothered him. Surely there was a limit to the chances others should give him,
She tilted her head and smiled, but he remained where he was, almost rooted to the ground. ”Are you sure about that?” Because he couldn’t remain as open as he wanted, but if others took away their freedom and choice, it wouldn’t matter in the slightest. When she brought up what ifs, however, he turned away again. ”Yes.” It was one of the many ways he tortured himself now that his family wasn’t around to do it.
As the conversation turned to his potential future, the Launceleyn opened his eyes and turned to stare at the healer. ”Even if that doesn’t work for others?” Because it seemed to him that there were many types of strength that would fit him well. But that didn’t mean they were right for him, or for the world. Though maybe that meant they didn’t work. As for second, third, fourth, whatever new beginning this was, he already knew that part, though it bothered him. Surely there was a limit to the chances others should give him,
She tilted her head and smiled, but he remained where he was, almost rooted to the ground. ”Are you sure about that?” Because he couldn’t remain as open as he wanted, but if others took away their freedom and choice, it wouldn’t matter in the slightest. When she brought up what ifs, however, he turned away again. ”Yes.” It was one of the many ways he tortured himself now that his family wasn’t around to do it.
But don’t be weary if it’s broken
Families are like that—
they’re split up and always torn.
