[The bluntness reminds him of his mother, and her talent for putting people on the spot. It's not necessarily a pleasant feeling. He's seen earth scorched down to cinders.

He ducks his head, looking just as tired and small as he feels.] It hurt, you know. Thinking I could finally talk to someone and having her walk away when I did. I thought I knew how to not be overwhelming, but now I don't have that kind of confidence anymore. I'm still stunned you want to talk to me after my breakdown the first time we met, really.