There was a tenseness that tightened in Bruce's face as Aaron tried to bait him, the fury in him growing evident. No. He didn't look like he was making progress. And in all honesty, it killed Bruce to see it. There was something grim and mature like Aaron had never before witnessed in the corner of Bruce's frown, and he simply watched him with a steady look for a long, silent moment before responding.

"I hope that things change, Aaron. I really do. My goal isn't to keep you trapped in here -- no one wants that. We want you back home. The people need you." There was some mingled sadness there and then he swallowed it down with a slight shake of his head. "I'll visit again soon. I hope by then, you'll be a little more ready to talk about how things are going." He got to his feet, then he waited a beat.

"Oh, and try making some friends, will you? I'm going to get your behavior reports from your doctor before I leave. 'Playing well with others' used to be something you were so good at."