Al might not have understood Dylan's reading routines, but he did recognise the signs of suppressing something... emotions most likely.
Al's own suppression routine of 'Don't thinkdon't thinkdon'tThink!' worked much better if external stimuli also distracted him of the triggers.
He shoved the game behind the sofa.
"Books," he said, calmly, slowly. "Dylan, think of the books you've read. Think of them. Didn't you ever wish that you'd've known what happened down the page so you wouldn't have to worry about the unexpected. You'd know that everything would be all right. Or not all right, and you would prepare yourself for it. In advance. Wouldn't that be good?"
Al watched Dylan from afar, knowing better than to approach him. Distance helped concentration.