Thomas sat in silence while the caretaker didn't quite introduce herself. He was privy to her first name, having overheard it years ago, but never used it out of respect for her preference. He was glad to immerse himself in the center of the stoic calm that she always seemed to carry no matter what went wrong. Her pressence allowed him to be among the others without being overwhelmed.

Passing up the pancakes and sausage, Thomas felt along the center of the table until his hand covered an apple, which he identified by the stem and firm flesh. Bringing it up to his nose he gives it a sniff, smiling at the slightly bitter scent of the green apple. It crunches as he bites into it, settling into his chair. Thomas always stuck to simple foods because too many conflicting emotions at once could cause his stomach to turn, and he found it easiest to keep things like fruit and bread where they belonged.

While eating Thomas keeps his left hand flat on the table, not far from where Katherin is seated. He wanted to be within easy reach if she needed something or wanted to leave. Subsequent touches would not carry the wild tide of emotions that the first one had, but it would still cause their emotions to become linked until they parted again.

[@KatherinWinter]