Alvin was used to Lottie's quotes and the fact that he hardly ever knew what she was talking about. Normally it amused him or confused him. Now he just found it comforting. This was normal, even if nothing else was.

He hated to see the tears on her cheeks as she guided his face up to look at her. Lottie was an empathetic soul and for that he was grateful, but he still hated to think he was causing her any distress. "It doesn't feel real." He managed, trying to reign in the emotion in his voice. He felt like he was drowning in it, like any minute the wave would overwhelm him completely. "I tried, but I couldn't reach her." The swells had been too high and with only one good arm, any chance had been minimal.

Alvin closed his eyes, forehead pressed against Lottie's, trying to take a deep breath. It seemed impossible, all of it. How was he supposed to live with this?