Smiling and nodding about the softness of the towel, Thomas is then somewhat embarrassed by the Swede noting how much he has. "I... only became homeless... weeks ago. For the first time in my life. Not that... I was used to luxury before, either."
"I suppose... I spent a lot on decorating things. That I should have saved. But I wanted to keep up hope. I-- wanted it to be beautiful, even if it was small. It's a new start for me, too." Admitting it makes him smile again, warmed and heartened by the promise of a new life away from all the violence.
The way Swede tears up makes Thomas' heart hurt, remembering the way he'd been in awe of Edith taking his bandaged hand in hers so lovingly. His OCD had gone mad at the time, not sure how to handle anyone caring so clearly, especially with her under threat. He'd picked string after string from his own bandages, because they weren't perfect and he wasn't perfect and he'd thought she should just recognize he was a failure, and leave.
And here was Swede doing something so similar! Even the words were practically the same. "No no no no no," Thomas assures, setting down the glass vase and resorting to hugs again. You smell so bad and this is so disgusting and everything will be all right.
"I have been exactly where you are now. I'm telling you that because I want you to understand that you're the person I want to help and that everyone deserves common courtesy, as long as they are not absolutely terrifying. Swede... You are my friend. You are not just the Swede. You are a good man. And you're going to be all right."
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"I suppose... I spent a lot on decorating things. That I should have saved. But I wanted to keep up hope. I-- wanted it to be beautiful, even if it was small. It's a new start for me, too." Admitting it makes him smile again, warmed and heartened by the promise of a new life away from all the violence.
The way Swede tears up makes Thomas' heart hurt, remembering the way he'd been in awe of Edith taking his bandaged hand in hers so lovingly. His OCD had gone mad at the time, not sure how to handle anyone caring so clearly, especially with her under threat. He'd picked string after string from his own bandages, because they weren't perfect and he wasn't perfect and he'd thought she should just recognize he was a failure, and leave.
And here was Swede doing something so similar! Even the words were practically the same. "No no no no no," Thomas assures, setting down the glass vase and resorting to hugs again. You smell so bad and this is so disgusting and everything will be all right.
"I have been exactly where you are now. I'm telling you that because I want you to understand that you're the person I want to help and that everyone deserves common courtesy, as long as they are not absolutely terrifying. Swede... You are my friend. You are not just the Swede. You are a good man. And you're going to be all right."