[ when he sees the visible relief in her expression, he feels plenty of his own, especially in knowing that he was able to retrieve and protect something so important to her. with the events in the woods and dealing with the after effects, he'd almost forgotten about it. ]

It was at my bedside when you disappeared. I was worried I wouldn't be able to get it back to you.

[ he was worried about a lot of other things, about her, but that seemed just as essential. there's even a letter still left somewhere sharing that sentiment.

at her encouragement, he finally wills himself to relax again, easing his body back once more to rest upon her chest, allowing himself to sigh and relax without the need to jolt himself out of it again. instead, he listens to her words, staring at the water quietly as she makes mention of her mother.

of course he remembers. it's impossible to forget the way they'd met, how they turned nightmares into something beautiful by the end of it all. ]

Then I'm even more relieved you're able to get it back. [ he takes one of her hands from his body, brushing his fingers against her palm as he brings it up to his mouth, kiss light upon her knuckle. ] I'd give anything to have something of mine. I couldn't take anything with me when I left that place. [ he doesn't even have a photograph of her anymore. it'd all been too sudden. ] But I kept it protected for you.