"You are and always will be to me. No matter what," he assured her as he gently stroked the backs of his fingers down her cheek. His own problems were secondary now. Standing in the same room, so close to her, he just wanted her to get better. Anything with him could be handled later.

"You have nothing to apologize for. This isn't your fault. But if it'll make you feel better, apology accepted. I'll always forgive you anything." He wrapped his arms around her.