She felt him go still, and although she loosened her hold slightly she didn't let go, just staying close and stroking his hair and waiting, hoping he would calm down. She refused to let it go so that every bit of physical contact he experienced would come with pain. If that was going to happen then she might as well just give it up on him completely.

"I know," she said. "We all do. I'm sorry." She was silent for a moment.

"Can you tell me about home? What it was like?"