[ Alberto continues slicing tiny slits in his pumpkin's teeth, practically a way to fidget now; but when Dolores mentioned how anger can cause harm to the people who care about him, it draws his full attention, turning to her with wide eyes. It's clear her next words just about rock his world. He doesn't find words at first, but nods earnestly when asked if he understands. It's a thought he's likely going to dwell on for months to come, in fact, a piece of wisdom that resonates right away, but will only continue to next time he needs to put it to the test. Almost the whole of his time in Portorosso with Luca and Giulia was an ongoing act of him poorly expressing his emotions, letting his anger harm his friends — and himself... Even with how much time has passed, how much has healed between him and Luca, he still feels pangs of guilt sometimes for how he betrayed his best friend out of jealousy. Not that he's keen to call it that, not quite so self-aware yet; but comments like the one Dolores just made are the building blocks to learning better self-awareness. It's a new concept for him, for someone so young who's spent so much of his life alone, but it's one that will come to serve him well in time. Learning life lessons from the Madrigals all over the place, man, nonstop...
He lets a little ruminative pause settle, letting his nods trail off as he turns his attention back to the pumpkin; but instead of returning to slicing it, he simply strums his fingers and drums on it idly, stimming as he chews over her words, worrying his bottom lip. Dolores might notice a familiar rhythm mixed into his mindless drumming, though with some improvised beats bookending it — knock, knock, knock knock knock, knock on wood, the remix. It's thoughtless fidgeting, before Alberto responds with a bit less Spanish dexterity, slow to translate himself after Dolores struck such a chord. ]
That's true... That's very wise. ...But that also seems like it takes a lot of practice, heh. I hope I don't have too many chances to practice being upset the right way, y'know? My life here is perfect lately — well, more or less. School.
[ ...But in typical Alberto fashion, he deflects and brags, and covers up his sentimentality with weak humor. It's still obvious by his face and body language, though, that her words hit home, right on target. ]
no subject
He lets a little ruminative pause settle, letting his nods trail off as he turns his attention back to the pumpkin; but instead of returning to slicing it, he simply strums his fingers and drums on it idly, stimming as he chews over her words, worrying his bottom lip. Dolores might notice a familiar rhythm mixed into his mindless drumming, though with some improvised beats bookending it — knock, knock, knock knock knock, knock on wood, the remix. It's thoughtless fidgeting, before Alberto responds with a bit less Spanish dexterity, slow to translate himself after Dolores struck such a chord. ]
That's true... That's very wise. ...But that also seems like it takes a lot of practice, heh. I hope I don't have too many chances to practice being upset the right way, y'know? My life here is perfect lately — well, more or less. School.
[ ...But in typical Alberto fashion, he deflects and brags, and covers up his sentimentality with weak humor. It's still obvious by his face and body language, though, that her words hit home, right on target. ]