Theo was holding tight to him, and Cash held back, trying to keep his own breathing steady so that it would spill over into Theo's chest. He loved Theo. He really loved Theo, and Cash did not know how to articulate that Theo's request — that Cash tell someone if he felt like that again — was probably why Cash was still alive. Inhale, exhale.

"I won't," Cash said, with a swallow. His throat felt thick. One of his hands was rubbing Theo's back in circles.

"Theo," he said, quiet, "Do you remember Eli Swan?"