[Liem can’t say if the answer Matt gives him is the one that he’d hoped for, or one that he’d dreaded. When he turns back around, the weight of his eyes on him, of any eyes on him, feels damning. He doesn’t have the words to satisfy this man, nor to make him understand what has so broken him. If he returns, probably it will be to more of the same.
But the prospect of being abandoned here for one final time strikes him with such terror and grief that he cannot help but clutch at whatever shreds of succour Matt’s company might offer. He is completely, utterly adrift in this place. Not since he was very, very small has the world been so empty of comfort.]
All right.
[His voice sounds very small in his ears.
But he has no thought for the blankets folded next to him, and he makes no move to touch the tray of food. His mind is already filled once again with silent prayers, and without a symbol to hold, all his hands seem capable of clutching are each other.]
no subject
But the prospect of being abandoned here for one final time strikes him with such terror and grief that he cannot help but clutch at whatever shreds of succour Matt’s company might offer. He is completely, utterly adrift in this place. Not since he was very, very small has the world been so empty of comfort.]
All right.
[His voice sounds very small in his ears.
But he has no thought for the blankets folded next to him, and he makes no move to touch the tray of food. His mind is already filled once again with silent prayers, and without a symbol to hold, all his hands seem capable of clutching are each other.]