I can totally understand why Echo would want to feel... different than how he usually does, while living with the Reader.
We all want to feel dependent, useful, strong. And, though I don't like using this word that much, "normal" (who decides what is normal anyway?). Echo pushing his limits beyond what's healthy for his current state just to feel this way, to feel whole like you put it, sounds a lot like him.
And it's a sad, common reality, much more common than we realise, for people with limitations to want to overcome them through bad habits that eventually make them crash and fall even deeper.
Feeling pressured, and afraid of inspiring weakness or being seen as "less."
And this c-word lives in their minds like a parasite. A word that carries self hatred and anger and pain. And it's so hard to get it out.
I love this series and have so much anticipation to know how it all develops.
Thank you for this tough chapter, @isthereanechoinhere96 . It's not easy to write about these topics but it's incredibly important to do so!❤️🖤🦾
I'm excited to continue reading :)