His thumb moved in slow circles around her knuckles as he listened, and when she finished, he tilted his head as he looked at her. "I'm so sorry, Avice," he said. He opened his arms to her, his eyes warm and loving.
He dropped his arms and cocked his head like a confused puppy. "That's okay, baby," he said eventually, his voice soft and soothing. "You're okay. I love you, okay? You're alright. Don't worry. You're safe."
She stayed there for a bit longer as she calmed down, eventually looking up at him before leaning forward and wrapping her arms tightly around him.
She didn't say anything, but shook her head. Although she wasn't the best at explaining, it seemed to have disturbed her even mentioning it.
"It's not about living," he said sternly, brushing her hair out of her face. "It's about being happy."
He tilted his head slightly. "I worry about things," he admitted. "But being with you makes all of the bad stuff seem okay. I would say I'm happy."
He sighed and tilted his head slightly to kiss her temple. "I really am madly in love with you," he said quietly. "Isn't that funny?"
