[ everything about teo across from him reeks of someone waiting to bolt - or to make a decision to be anything but the young man in the chair spilling his life story. it's an energy that heightens his own senses, not unlike predator and prey. but he tilts his head, listening, eyes dropping to the cup between teo's palms. ]

You'll spill it.

[ it's all he says in response at first, but offers a warm smile. ] If you want to figure out how to stop pushing people away, you'll need to first identify what frightens you.

[ and then, a little more frankly: ] Your parents sound like controlling prudes. That's always a bad start.