His chest feels squeezed. He doesn't know what Malcolm wants from him. He doesn't know what the right answer is. He doesn't know what he wants. He knew back in New York, but he'd only started figuring it out. Now, with his life there a wreck, his life here in pieces, and his future up in the air--

"It doesn't matter," he insists, still quiet but firm. "Malcolm, I..."

He can't have what he wants here. If he goes back to his New York, he'll be returning to people who will probably think he ran away, and how is he going to convince them otherwise? If he goes with Malcolm, if he can go with Malcolm...

"Back in my world I'm a ward of the state. It really doesn't."