Nothing can truly ease her pain, but having him there does help in a way. Instead of floating alone in her heartache, she clings to him like he's a raft in the middle of an ocean. Everything in her hurts, but she knows that at least for now she is not alone.

The storm passes almost as quickly as it came on, her tears drying as her breathing steadies, and exhaustion presses down on her, heavier than before. After a short while, she quietly rasps, her throat aching and raw, "Thank you."