It took a moment, but he seemed to be able to breathe a little easier and therefore so could she.

Things were bad bad, then.

It twisted her insides a little, only knowing the little she did, but Noble wouldn't have come here if he thought he could handle it. She didn't know what to say and she was saved for the moment by the kettle whistling in the kitchen. She let her hands fall slowly, passing him a weak smile as she moved to take the kettle off the heat.

In the kitchen she took a deep breath, unsure if how to navigate this, but knew she had to try and help somehow. Not wanting to take too long, she inhaled deeply once more and returned to the sitting room. "How bad?"