[ Claire clocks the past tense and immediately decides to try and switch the topic. But she does listen, and her heart goes out to the brothers. She'll never know what that's like, but it tells her a little bit more about Arthur and the part of his character that actually matters, not the quirky details. ]

People mock what they can't understand. Rather than try, they get defensive and bullish for some reason I've always failed to grasp. Children don't become that way, they learn it, and then turn into replicas of the adults who spewed hatred before them.

[ She knows that's painting broad strokes, some bullies grow up and out of it, but for this conversation, she doesn't amend her statement. Her plan to change the topic is failing spectacularly as she continues. ]

I'm sorry you and Percy had those experiences, Arthur, I really am. For what it's worth, I'm glad you're someone I know, even if it's jarring to be here.