[ The baseline level of trauma everyone from Scott's world has is just far too high. He has to squint to see the bar, it's so far up. But he listens quietly, and then lets it process for a long moment before he attempts to respond. Which is already a significant improvement right there. ]

As coping mechanism go, that is one of the best ones in terms of behavior... but I trust you acknowledge the toll it has taken.

[ And that wasn't his original point anyway. This is. ]

I appreciate your help. My concern is why you're offering it. People don't-- [ Stop. Try again. ] I just want to be sure I've earned this, as I'm not one of your students or a little brother you've been tasked with protecting.