Maxwell had quite frankly had enough. Everyone was always complaining about everything he did or didn't do. He had packed his things and was just about to leave. Unfortunately, like always, Wickerbottom was awake.
"William, don't you dare run away! The words always rolled off your back before. What happened?" Wicker grabs him by the back of his coat. Maxwell sneers and turns around to face her.
"Nobody wants me around."
"Wilson wants you around! I want you around!"
"Wilson hates me, just like everybody else."
"You don't see the way he looks at you, do you?"
"He looks at me with hate."
"Because he thinks you still love that Charlie woman! Do you? I thought you were gay."
"Look, Nan, I-" Maxwell froze. Wickerbottom's face softened.
"Nan? You haven't called me that since you adopted that whole Maxwell act..."
Maxwell looked away and bit his lip, trying to stop the tears from falling. "Slip of the tongue."
Wickerbottom smiles softly. "I know. Come here and give your Nan a hug before you go, at least?"
Maxwell hugged her tightly and started crying. Wickerbottom hugged him back firmly and rubbed his back. "There, there, William. Nan'll keep you safe."
