Theodore sounded so young to Ernie's ears, but so lost as well. He had to do whatever he could to help his friend find his way back home. He took heart in the hand that grabbed onto his sleeve, hoping it was a sign that Theodore was trying to grab onto something to anchor him. Ernie would be that if he could.
"It's all right, you can stay." He placed his other hand next to Theodore's on his arm and used his finger to touch him, gently and tentatively. It was similar to Hallowe'en when he'd taken the risk and Theodore had responded. He hoped he did this time as well because all Ernie wanted was to hold him in his arms and hide him away from all this pain. "You never have to go back if you don't want to. Never."