Ben was relieved at her response — more the smile that accompanied it than the actual words — but it didn't last long. When she pointed out that Nora still woke up often he felt like a proper dunce. Of course he knew that, because he was still hearing Nora wake up most nights even with the hallway between them, but he hadn't put it together with the night nurse's schedule. Obviously he couldn't sleep here if the nurse was going to be coming in and out during the night — that would be entirely inappropriate, and if she didn't quit the next day then Ben would never be able to look her in the eyes again.

"Sorry, I didn't think," he said with a frown. "Er, what time does the nurse start? I'll go back to my room before she gets here. I just... thought it might be nice to hold you for a few minutes," he continued, blushing slightly.

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