hey ho! i was actually going for a mix of subconscious trauma and there being a trigger word for this one. if we go the honeymoon route, then it'd be like ren suggested a place where they'd have to pass by his old hometown to get there and some ridiculous shit like that-- and when he's actually there, then his poor old cult family can use the trigger word on him all over again. lmk if this works for you; i'm totally open to other ideas and modifying stuff as necessary, though. :D
re: PBs, i don't have a preference at all besides the age thing specified! so you're free to go with whoever you want, haha. (also YES mark brendanawicz........ thank you, for recognising him, i'm laughing so hard)