[ The touch is clearly something he's not used to, but he doesn't startle so much as blink and... relax. Touch is potent for him. It's welcome and it makes his smile a little warmer in gratitude for the care. ]

Don't worry too much about it. I'm here, after all, right?

[ But yes, the tubes had actually been a little traumatic. Which was hard when everyone you cared about was in those tubes. ]

After those years, I grew up, got a degree, really found my calling as an adult. I've moved on.

It does make things a little difficult to explain sometimes, though. That's all.