[Carlos is hugged tightly enough that the heels of his feet briefly leave the ground. He shuffles his feet just enough to be completely on terra firma before hugging Cecil back with equal fierceness.

Using just touch wasn't enough to confirm that it was really Cecil. He could hear him now. He could see him. He could smell his, well, smell. That would have to do. He could confirm taste with a kiss later.

Of course I'm real, Cecil! I have no reason not to be real! And you're real, too.