[ They close their eyes for a moment when he does, actually grateful for the gesture; it's grounding and they do feel some tension leave, even if it remains in their thoughts. Yet, it's a distraction all on its own as well. ]

I do wonder if you are being quite harsh on yourself. [ They don't want to ever call him useless for so long, if at all. ] But...

...It is ironic. I believe I remember saying something like that before. That the people here have soft or considerate hearts, and the like - as a reassurance, though it was one based in truth, rather to convey empty sentiment. As you are saying with no less importance to myself now.

And yet, when it feels like I should understand that, it feels distant when it is myself who enters the equation - at this current time, anyway. It's a little infuriating, quite maddening - to question everything so much.