Lockie stood with his arms by his sides as she ran her…
““Lockie stood with his arms by his sides as she ran her hands over his hair and squeezed his arms. Tina could see how uncomfortable Lockie felt at being touched. Margie hugged him again and again. She didn’t notice Lockie’s face or she would have stopped. When Margie stood up she was crying. Pete, meanwhile, was watching Tina. ‘Start talking,’ he said to her and Tina could see he had already decided who was to blame for Lockie’s disappearance. ‘Her name’s Tina,’ said Lockie. ‘She saved me. Can you take us home, Pete?’ Pete looked at Lockie. ‘You know I will, Lockie, but first —’ ‘Please, Pete,’ said Lockie. ‘Can you just take us home?’ ‘Oh god,’ said Margie. ‘Doug and Sarah—we have to call them. We have to let them know.’ She kept touching Lockie, on his head, on his arms and on his back. Tina could see Lockie wince. People wouldn’t know that they needed to be careful when they touched him. Some touches can make you feel sick.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A tense scene reveals how physical contact can trigger trauma, highlighting the need for sensitivity toward unseen wounds.
In simple terms: Touch can cause pain for those with hidden trauma.
Key Takeaway
Be mindful of others’ boundaries and invisible struggles.
Themes
trauma
empathy
communication
boundaries
Mood
empathetic
cautious
Type
narrative
reflective
When to use this quote
- medical examinations
- family gatherings
- public spaces
- intimate relationships
Key Concepts
psychology
social dynamics
healing
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you detect unseen distress?
- What steps ensure safe physical interaction?
A Different Perspective
Not everyone can express pain verbally, making it hard to recognize.