[The squeeze helps. Varian sucks in a breath, nodding and finally pulling back, rubbing at his eyes with the heel of his hand. It's fine, he's fine. ]

Thanks. I um... I'm glad that...helps.

[He's trying his best here to not think of this as a failure. He has so many people who care about him telling him it's NOT one, he can't disregard their feelings. He manages a weak little smile.]

You know, food does sound good. My stomach has felt like it's been in knots for months.