"Thank you."

He relaxes, slightly, as they resume their meal. Every time the door opens, every sound a little over the average bustle of the room - he pauses. But he tries not to tense up.

By the time he's cleared his plate, he's very close to thinking that he's succeeded, that this is somehow under control - and then someone drops a plate, and when it shatters he's on his feet so fast it almost flips the table.

His face blanches, and then the shame washes in, making his cheeks hot.