[Thomas winces at the word beatings, and his cheeks strain backwards as though he's fighting off a grimace. After a moment, he sighs in sympathy.] That does sound worse.

[He makes a show of searching for things in his pockets, to try to alleviate his fidgeting. He almost wants to offer to take the man in, but he knows better than to try. Thomas was himself without a proper living space, right now, or income. It's not like he could offer this man more than he was already getting.]

[It's sad though, to realize how much they actually have in common. They didn't fit. They were the gentle ones. Even their intelligence separated them from those around them. Just in opposite directions.]



I'm sorry you've had to suffer that. I wish I could help. I'm here... if you ever want to talk.

[Even just that phrase. Just I'm here rang different to him now. He missed everyone.]