[ A laugh escapes him; it's not a full-blown laugh, as he can see quite clearly how rattled she appears. Maybe she's even terrified... haunted by something from her past. But he takes it as a good sign that he made her laugh, even if she stopped herself. Or rather, even if her fear and whatever else that is clinging to her made her stop. Maybe if he can keep doing that, trying to ease the tension and lighten the mood. He never imagined he'd try to be anything like comic relief. That seemed to be more of Barry's department, although he knows he'd never call it that.

His fingers curl around her shoulder more, hoping he's doing something useful. He just wants to reassure her, to calm her, to make her feel like she's not alone. ]

It sounds like they might be... well, similar. Unfortunately. I don't know if they can change back either. I want to hope so, but- Sorry, I know that's not what you want to hear.

[ He squeezes her hand in return as he continues to listen, noting how her tone of voice changes. Whatever happened to her, it's clearly left its mark. And Alan knows he'd be angry too if he was in her shoes. Government coverups. Shifting blame. Taking evidence. It sounds like typical government behavior, if you ask him. ]

Well, I'm asking questions and listening. If it wasn't an industrial accident... what was it? I want to hear your answer, not the hogwash the government was putting out there.

[ Alan moves in a little closer, pausing at the last second. ]

For what it's worth, if it's worth anything at all, I'm glad that you're here.

[ And throwing caution to the winds once more, Alan lifts both arms and slowly slides them around her in a hug. He doesn't pull her closer, doesn't really move at all other than to wrap his arms around her. They've only known each other for a day, if that, and he's already doing this. If she doesn't want it, he'll back off. But something tells him she needs the comfort right now, even comfort from an almost-stranger. ]