Had they been trying to cushion the blow? It felt like they were trying to punish him for falling for it.

“He has the ability, he can control minds, but that’s not what kept me there.” It’s semantics at this point, but important semantics to Neal. “I couldn’t leave, but it was… blood loss and disorientation, not some kind of active command. I just don’t want you to think…”

He’s not sure what he doesn’t want Malcolm to think. Neal presses a hand to his stomach, knots of anxiety that he’s typically accustomed to making him feel sick again. “I’m trying. I’m honestly trying.”