“I try to keep up, and I stay in touch with some of the others in person,” he replies. His checking the number here at least should speak to the habit of looking it over. Regardless of his frequent observation of the network, he certainly doesn’t have the social connection it provides. “And it’s nice to meet you too.”

The blunt question about his mask is met with hesitation. A mixture of surprise and caution, though not of Sam. Given that Walter has worked with him, that lends to more than a neutral point of trust for the teenager. Rather, he’s not certain Sam knows the extent to which the Numbers can affect those that carry them. Voice lowered in volume, he’ll dance around a complete answer, “I have to say it’s for allergies but...it’s really because of my number.”