[Ralph keeps up the staring. He's wary of other boys now, and it shows. The awkwardness of his reply, the apologizing, the avoiding his gaze, it all reminds him of Simon. A flare of regret fueled compassion battles briefly against his distrust, and quickly loses. But just because he's cautious doesn't mean he needs to be rude.]
No, that's alright. You were here first.
[He shifts a bit on his root. He was stopped mid climb so he's not in the most comfortable position, and now he's not sure if he should go ahead and climb down. He doesn't want to. Just because somebody else knows how to get up here, doesn't mean its not worth exploring. Maybe he could try to just climb around him? He doesn't move in either direction.]
no subject
No, that's alright. You were here first.
[He shifts a bit on his root. He was stopped mid climb so he's not in the most comfortable position, and now he's not sure if he should go ahead and climb down. He doesn't want to. Just because somebody else knows how to get up here, doesn't mean its not worth exploring. Maybe he could try to just climb around him? He doesn't move in either direction.]