[He declines to mention that all of this happened on his eighteenth birthday. She's already far more worried about him than she needs to be, and he's certain that detail would upset her further. His history isn't her burden to bear, and he refuses to let her shoulder any more of it than she absolutely insists. If that means keeping details out of the narrative, then so be it.]
It was four years ago, and I've had time to accept it for what it was. [Sort of.] I appreciate your concern, but there's no purpose in wallowing in it.
[The petting of his hair is a step too far for him, tender and comforting in a way that he's not emotionally prepared for, and he's back to trying to squirm free.]
no subject
[He declines to mention that all of this happened on his eighteenth birthday. She's already far more worried about him than she needs to be, and he's certain that detail would upset her further. His history isn't her burden to bear, and he refuses to let her shoulder any more of it than she absolutely insists. If that means keeping details out of the narrative, then so be it.]
It was four years ago, and I've had time to accept it for what it was. [Sort of.] I appreciate your concern, but there's no purpose in wallowing in it.
[The petting of his hair is a step too far for him, tender and comforting in a way that he's not emotionally prepared for, and he's back to trying to squirm free.]