He was afraid to open his mouth to speak, if only for fear that his words would be the wrong ones. He didn't know whether her sorrow had the same source as his - and if it wasn't, it would leave him wide open to her wrath.

"You don't have to explain yourself or your feelings," he continued, his tone in the same whisper-soft murmur. "I know how you feel. So much to digest in such little time."

He leaned down and pressed a kiss to her temple, hoping even the smallest of gestures might comfort her.

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