Without realizing it, a year has passed since they returned from Etros. Elliot's acceptance toward others improved, and no longer be wary of Richard's family. The boy even seemed happier when Richard put Elliot in the same school as Lori and made many new friends there.
The fake Loraine never introduced Elliot to other kids his age and always put the boy in the middle of the older woman's crew. It explained why Elliot thought so differently and felt the pressures adults should feel while living on the island.
Now that he has met many kids his age and talked to them all, Elliot was slowly returning to being himself as he should be. He could draw whatever he wanted without fear of someone not liking his drawing. Elliot could also refuse something without fear of punishment if he didn't want it.
Anxia and Richard taught him to be honest in expressing his feelings; at the same time, they would scold him if Elliot made a mistake.