[ After everything that's happened so far, it's strange how much just that light brush of fingers helps. Maybe they're both just that desperate for kindness, for gentleness, that even just this feels like a blessing. ]

I-It... It was a lot. [ His voice is soft as he admits this, quiet and small. ] I... knew it could be bad, but I wasn't prepared for anything like this.

How about you? How are... you holding up?