"W-" I almost ask if he'll be all right, which is a dumb thing to do. Firstly because he can take care of himself, and secondly because, as much as I'd love to hear the answer, I don't want the truth from him like this. I feel my molars grind as my mouth clamps shut. I don't move, wanting too badly to stay with him to bring myself to turn and walk away easily. Hands flexing into fists, feeling reasonably conflicted myself, I just nod tersely.

"Don't stay out there too long," I settle for.