[ They hadn’t noticed it had ceased to be about Elle because they were wading into an overlapping conversation. In a perfect world Tim would’ve paid closer attention to her, but… try as he might, he’s not perfect. ]

Thanks, Elle. I won’t tell anyone.

[ It’s quiet and kind - he doesn’t even add “if you don’t”, and he doesn’t take her up on the offer to immediately start crying. Tim doesn’t care if she sees, but he’s still telling himself that he can’t afford to lose it. He’ll never recover from that.

This would be a good time to meditate. Clear his head. But then he’d look like he was screwing his head back on. Who takes a meeting in the lotus position?

The fear is backed up when Dick appears and all Tim is doing is leaning his head back. He’s not even crying or hugging a knee. He’s just trying to exist in this space. He leans away from the hand. ]

I’m fine. I’m handling things my way from now on. And I don’t think Elle wants a hug either.