[ anderson has shed childishness a long time ago; she grew up around age seven when she'd lost both of her parents. of course, parts of her are still more childlike than she even realises -- the optimism and idealism could be argued to be a child's blind faith or stupidity and some people have argued that way. anderson doesn't listen to those people.
and maybe she is seeking comfort from him like a child might. she doesn't exactly have a frame of reference for this. ]
I'm 21. [ said low under her breath, automatic almost as though he had asked the question out loud. he didn't, she's aware of that; she's not really inside his head, she's not really trying to read his mind, but it had been right there at the forefront of his mind.
any other time, she would argue or ask him why he doesn't want her to say those words, why he doesn't want the gratitude even though she has a good idea of why already. right now, though, she doesn't want to move and she's half afraid that he'll make her leave if she argues. so she just doesn't react. ]
no subject
and maybe she is seeking comfort from him like a child might. she doesn't exactly have a frame of reference for this. ]
I'm 21. [ said low under her breath, automatic almost as though he had asked the question out loud. he didn't, she's aware of that; she's not really inside his head, she's not really trying to read his mind, but it had been right there at the forefront of his mind.
any other time, she would argue or ask him why he doesn't want her to say those words, why he doesn't want the gratitude even though she has a good idea of why already. right now, though, she doesn't want to move and she's half afraid that he'll make her leave if she argues. so she just doesn't react. ]