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I think he likes you, Walt said.

Timothy Reid? Are you high?

Walt drummed his fingers against the edge of the desk and looked out the window instead of at the slideshow they were being made to watch.

I think he feels bad for you and that’s closer to liking you than you’d think, Walt explained. He didn’t have to give you an alibi, and he didn’t have to warn you about Jorge, and he absolutely could have made a bigger deal about you sitting next to him.

He called me a freak.

He was reminding you of your place. Try thinking about why people might do things before reacting. What would Timothy have to gain from warning you about Jorge? What would he have to lose by allowing people to think you’re close? Walt said. Maybe this is less about you and more about him .

Hollis shouldn’t have to think about Timothy at all. He never had before then.

We eat lunch with Yulia and Annie. Sometimes Yulia drives.

Walt let him change the subject, humming quietly.

I’ll eat anything except bananas. I don’t like the ones from now.