"I know it's not the same, but..."
Worn and tired and frazzled on lack of sleep and his head pounding with heavy numbness, Danny couldn't find it in him to look up from his desk of completely undone homework. A prop. If anyone came knocking. Like Elizabeth.
He lacked the energy or willpower to care. About anything. Any effort had gone to dealing with and shooing off Edi and her face earlier in the day. And Danny didn't think he was entirely successful about it.
His bleary and unseeing gaze remained fixated on the desk. Her pause and hesitation lingering long. And far too short.
It took a moment, his eyes blinking, taking longer to fully take in the new object in his view.
"Here."
Danny stared at the blue pocket sized notebook, worn away into a white in a few spots and creases.
"Uh, thanks, but."
His voice cracked and he cleared his throat. Sluggishly, Danny's mind feebly searched for a way to decline whatever this was. Finding none coming to mind, he forced himself to lift his hand, waving it in some vague motion in an attempt to wave the object away.
The notebook was thrust into his hand and Danny fumbled to keep it from falling. Finally turning his head away to look at Elizabeth hovering just inside the bedroom door and beside the desk.
She swallowed, lips pursed, eyes darting down for a brief moment before going back onto him. Danny lifted up the notebook. Hurriedly, she tucked her arms back and clasped them together in the small of her back, lips pursing further in stubborn determination.
Danny stared at where he could just see her clasped hands, eyes drifting up and wondering at how her back looked underneath her dark blue T-shirt. Throat dry. Words and speech robbed from his abilities.
"Smitty suggested I write things out, since I wasn't..." She nibbled at her lip, then pressed on. "A way to get out thoughts, feelings."
Hurriedly, her hands came apart, one waving. "That's not this. Way too personal. But this has all the tips and tricks he suggested...to release things from inside? And I've added in words, little things to read to myself that, uh, help make a day more positive if I need it. I thought. I think maybe some of it might help you right now."
The meaning slowly permeated through Danny's head. And the offer sat heavier in his outstretched hand to her.
"I-I can't-"
She was already gone. Slide back and out of the bedroom, door closing behind. Leaving Danny behind with her little handy notebook of helpful tips and positives. His arm drooped. Tossing the thing onto his desk. Danny could always give it back later. It's not like looking or not looking mattered.
Most of what bothered and ate at him was any kindness or care offered to him.
He'd rather have Jesse punch his face in again.
Danny frowned slightly, a thought coming to mind, sending off a vague curiosity through him.
It was weird.
Elizabeth was the only Kauffman who had not reacted or asked or fussed over the state of his face.
...huh.