Jack looked down at his hands and sighed. "I know you want to move," he said quietly, his shoulders heavy. "And I know it may be hard to trust that I know what I'm talking about, especially since I'm partly the reason why you're in the condition. And, you know, you're right. I didn't finish schooling. But please just trust me, okay? I know that I'm right on this."
She took a wavering breathe, before turning her head to look at. Tears threatened her, as she despised getting frustrating and hurting the people she loved. ".. I'm sorry."
Her tears surprised her, and he laid down next to her, pulling her closer. "Hey, hey... Don't cry. It's okay. Everything's okay."
"It's not okay," she said, her voice stressed. "I was mean to you, and you think what happened is partly your fault but it's not at all, and I'm stuck in this room and I made you feel bad and none of it is okay."
"Shh, shh," he soothed, stroking her hair. "You weren't mean. You were honest. I'm not hurt. Don't worry."
"I'm going to worry," she told him, her voice weak. "I wish I had the common sense to just be smart enough and not mess with people, and none of this would have happened." She put her face in her hands. "How could I be so stupid?"
"People in Maydye are known for being awful, Avice," he murmured in her ear, holding her close. "It would have happened to someone, and you were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. It's okay. It's okay. Your injury is going to heal, and you'll be walking in no time."
"Trust me, baby," he murmured in her ear, brushing his fingers through her hair. "You're okay. You're okay."
He sighed and kissed her hair. "I don't get hurt very easily," he told her. "Don't worry too much, okay?"
He relaxed, holding her closer. "Do you want to try to go outside again?" he asked. "I can carry you."
