It feels like no time passes, and yet he's suddenly in front of her, and if she had even the slightest doubt about whether or not she was seeing things, the warmth and weight of him and that very slight shaking is more than enough to banish such notions. His pain and emotion take precedence over hers immediately. What will help him? What can possibly make this better?

Her arms rise automatically to enfold him and hold him closely as she presses her cheek gently against his hair and closes her eyes in wordless thanks to whatever potential divinity might happen to be listening. He's here, alive, conscious, doing things for himself, showing emotion. It is enough. It has to be.

"I'm here," she whispers, stroking his hair gently. "I'm not going anywhere. I'm sorry I wasn't here to welcome you home, but I won't leave you alone."