[ He huffs out a brittle laugh. That does sound like Claire, and he suspects she would treat him quite similarly if he weren’t the way he is. The old Theon had perfected the art of pushing people away. He’s retained that stubbornness and now, in addition to it, he simply can’t stand people touching him. The anticipation and the fear that they might hurt him is simply too much and sends him into a spiral. Claire has earned his trust to an extent, but he still flinches at her touch. ]

It's not that. I know she cares.

[ He just fears sometimes that she might give up on him, as is typically the norm in his life. ]

Sometimes I don’t remember how long I’ve been this way. I thought I would keep going this way until there was nothing left of me, but then I woke back up here.

[ His eyebrows knit together, his mouth drawn in a thin line as he stares down at his line. ]

She’s the first person who ever offered me any sort of help. I just don't know how far her help can really extend.