[ Smaller, but not safer. Up came that hand again, Marco ruffling the back of his hair. ]

Okay, look, I don't think we're going to get anywhere this way.

[ He's irritated, but it's certainly not with the other boy. Problem-solving was normal for him, but this time he couldn't throw in his normal skills to cope a little. And then an idea, why hadn't he thought of it sooner? ]

Give me your hand! Maybe it's just not something you can do yourself!

[ It's totally not awkward to hold hands with a stranger if they need help. ]