"Is there anything I can do for you?" he asked, leaning into her a little as she sighed.

It was nice, being close. Even if he couldn't hold her, he could still feel her warmth this way, still breathe with minimal aching from the pressure of sitting up unassisted. It would make him stronger to do this for short periods, he told himself, wishing it didn't sound like an excuse.

"I'm not the only one hurting right now."