[ She smiles faintly at his assessment at himself. Not in humor or pity. Just that Alan seems to be Alan no matter the time frame. It's heartwarming. It means to her that the Alan she knows hasn't lost everything he is. ]

No, he wouldn't. I'm pretty sure you know how to talk to yourself, Alan. You'll know how to put it.

[ Her smile turns gentle. The Clicker. So, Alan has always had it to some degree.

« No wonder Scratch wants it. » ] He's mentioned it, but, his memory isn't what it used to be. The story has taken a lot of it away. [ « Not the story, but, he doesn't need to know about Alan stuck in the Dark Place. » ] You were afraid of the dark but you kept trying. That determination is a good look on you.

[ An eyebrow raise. ] How does it make sense?