[Don't make promises you know you can't keep, she thinks. outwardly, she just utters a soft, muffled sound against his shoulder, soaking up as much of the embrace as she dares before shame supersedes her need for comfort.

she withdraws, wiping at her eyes to keep tears at bay.] I'll remember that, so...so you needn't say it again, lest I wind up crying again! [she exhales, trying to push a laugh in her breath.] Gads, I need to get it together... No time to waste, right?