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“Yet, I still get the distinct impression you don’t want to talk about it”

He smiles faintly as he nods “Men never like to talk about their feelings Didn’t you know that?”

I can’t help but laugh because Jih “Boy, do I ever know that”

There’s a long moment of silence before he says, “I’m an introvert”

“I can see that,” I admit

“I was always the type who enjoyed being alone,” he continues “Iaround the social events, you know? I like sful talk”

I don’t say anything, because I sense there’s more to his story

There’s a slight pause as his gaze drops to his hands, which are folded in his lap, before he looks back up “Fros and torture and threats of death—the absolute worst thing was being alone After they chained me up in that hole and left me for hours upon hours, day after day, ful interaction… it was beyond unbearable”

“I can’t even ih that hasfor him

He takes in a deep breath, pasting on a confident sh that would make me so appreciative of people that I’d just want to be around theht?”

I shrug, trying to lighten the ?”

Malik barks out a laugh “Fuck no If anything, it reaffirful connections with people that are i to you”

Sonized and validated the sa, we’ve found sonized we can rely on each other

“I’lad you made it back,” I say candidly “Not just for the obvious reasons We all wanted you back But you’re like a ht down on what’s been a very dark tiht sound weird—”