You gather your courage and sit next to Lucas, wanting to understand why he's always alone. "Hey Lucas," you ask gently, "I see you by yourself a lot. Do you like being alone, or is something bothering you?"

Lucas looks at you briefly, then back at his book, his response short and chilly, "Not really, I just like being alone."

You try again, "Doesn't it get lonely sitting alone all the time? Wouldn't it be nice to have someone to talk to?"

He replies without much emotion, "I'm used to it."

Despite your efforts to connect, Lucas remains distant, and it feels like there's a wall between you.