She only nods when he asks, and squeezes his hand when he takes it. There isn't a moment while they walk that she lets go of his hand, occasionally rubbing her thumb against the soft part of the back of his hand, or leaning her shoulder into his arm, just to ensure that he knows he isn't alone.

If she has anything to do with it, he's never going to have to feel like he's alone in facing this shit.

"Yeah, sure," Julie tells him once they reach the door, her voice as hushed as it can be. She smiles and gives his hand another squeeze, then lets go. "Just be really quiet. I don't wanna have to explain all this to them."