The half-hug was soothing in a way Clarence couldn't put into words. He felt his chest opening up further, allowing a lot more air into his lungs and giving him a better handle on his emotions. Stability.

"I probably should mention it. I don't know if I want to, but it would be for the best, right?" He really wasn't sure. "Sometimes I don't think I deserve good things. I don't think I'm that good of a person..."