He smiled a little back. It had been a year since he had lost his parents, and he missed them sometimes so fiercely he cried aloud and long. But somehow, being around Vanessa made him feel... safer.
He breathed out, his breath almost catching as he relaxed and ate a little. He listened to her words, drinking them up as he did so.
"Thank you. I have no idea what life is bringing me, but I am so grateful for you and for your help. I don't know that I can ever repay it, but you make a difference." His voice choked up a little then, and he had to brush away the start of tears from one eye as he looked down, clearing his throat.