He feels physical enough. If this is an illusion it sure is convincing; if it's only temporary, then it's enough for him right now. How many times has he wished for this exact thing? All he ever really wanted was a few more minutes with his uncle, just to hug him again and show him how far he's come in these past few months. He leans against Ben hard for a moment, at least until his uncle draws back to take a look at him. Then he rubs at his eyes, trying to smile through the tears.

(He is smiling, but - oh, this aches too. Pain and relief in equal measures.)

"'Course I am," he says with a little bit of a laugh. "You oughta see it. The cafeteria here is nuts." This probably isn't the most important thing they need to discuss right now? But he clings to the relative normalcy of it all. "Teachers are fine too. Though. Uh." Here a guilty look passes over him. "I've definitely pissed off two RAs. And I'm definitely out past curfew tonight."

But he's mostly made up with Imelda, he thinks, and Bee will understand for tonight. Besides, is it really late any more? He's been out so long that the horizon is starting to pink.