It hurts, hearing her like that. She's one of the strongest people I know, and I do not associate with many weak people. They just don't come with the territory. I cross the room to her and reach out to gently cup her elbow, her distress, however well contained, providing a momentary focal point for me.

"Take care of him," I tell her. It's as much a request as an order, my tone as beseeching as anything else.

"You're the best thing for him, Tasha. Just take care of him. Please."