"Lucky, are you all right?" Akaya inquired.
They'd gone out to lunch, but he hadn't even touched his food. He appeared agitated and deep in contemplation, and she assumed it was simply his phoenix's mood swings, which was why he hadn't eaten, but she was mistaken.
He had something else upsetting him, and she wanted him to tell her about it.
As she sat next to him on the bed, she added, "Son, you know you are free to tell me anything that is upsetting you."
He responded with a nod.
"I'd appreciate it if you could tell me what's upsetting you." She continued.
"I-" He sped up but came to a halt and frowned. He did not know where he was to begin with the narrative of what was bothering him.
She put her hand on his shoulder and squeezed him gently.