actually i will start crying again if I think about the fact that it really didn't take robby all that much to open up. that it really took just the slightest tap and he was breaking. duke really seeing him, fully acknowledging the severity of his shit, talking quiet, extending empathy, extending friendship and connection.
and it didn't take that fucking much. he didn't have to torture it out of Robby. he was just firm and kind. not beating around the bush like jack has done and not harsh like dana and not vague like cassie.
saying I see what you're doing. I know what you're thinking. are you sure?
and that's all it took to get a little more out of Robby. a moment of actual genuine vulnerability. a verbal admittance of how bad it's starting to get. how much he needs this hospital but how much it's killing him.
and it is partially because Robby is so tired, and it gets so hard. he's keeping up all his anger to mask the hurt but that's exhausting. and it's harder and harder to keep it back. so the second a listening ear is extended by someone who's been safe for him he's laying it out. oh Robby they could never make me hate you. what a deeply human character.