[A space to breathe, then he hears Walter accept the monumental challenge ahead. If they can maintain a cognitive dissonance to the changes with awareness through a joint effort, then perhaps it can be controlled if not reversed over time.

Then Walter extends a compliment, and a slight smile turns up as Benjiro releases a huff of air.]

Yeah.

[Slower this time, Benjiro brings Walter into one more gentle hug before he fully releases with his far arm and leaves his nearest arm around behind his friend’s back. Walter can certainly continue to lean against him, and Benjiro will do the same. After a couple of minutes of quiet, he speaks.]

…funny thing. When I was very young, I couldn’t understand why people smile. I knew something was wrong with me, but I had no idea what.