"It's all right," soft against Slade's ear. I am quietly angry with Wintergreen, that he should hurt Slade so and not be here to calm him, but it is one more anger to choke down for later.

I do not tell him to hush. Slade's grief is better let out this way than any other he might choose. His tears are wet against my hair, and I turn my head enough to kiss his cheek.