Kate don't require much. His hand's barely slipped away when she's reaching for him again, trembling because she's not quite right. Whole, but not quite right. Her insides feel like they've been through a butter churn.

Still, she reaches for him. Her hand closes around his, squeezing tight, body shifting ever-so-slowly to come up next to him. She leans against the tree, her shoulder to his.

"I know I didn't have to," she says, her tone not so far off from scolding, if she had the strength for it. "You ain't always gotta ask, Ben Hawkins. Sometimes there are gonna be people out there, people who care 'bout you, who'll move the sun an' moon t'keep you safe."

She groans, tipping her head back against the tree. She's more angry than in pain, because she doesn't have the luxury to feel knocked off her feet. Ben needs minding from a bona fide doctor. And she's the one who's got to get him there.

"Wasn't ready t'let go of you yet."

She squeezes his hand.

"I still need you around."