[It takes Ellie a few seconds to recognize that look of shock and confusion, the glassy-eyed stare of someone who's not all there. Plenty of soldiers went like that, back in Boston. She'd see them being carried back in by their friends.

People who'd seen some shit.]

Shit.

[Ellie says it under her breath, a wealth of old grief and knowledge behind the word, and nods to Sam.]

We can take him to the hospital. We've got a few people headed there. Find someplace quiet where you can chill for a bit until you feel better, okay man?

[She keeps her foot on the pipe, and slides it away, keeping her movements slow and nonthreatening. Helps that she herself doesn't look like much.]