[For a moment he just allows himself to relax into her; closing his eyes and letting the gentle swaying of the ship calm him. It is not the end of his worries, he knows that. He'll always worry. That is part of the nature of caring. But the feeling of hopelessness that had creeped in during the nightmare's attempt at isolating him was gone.

But there is another thing. Something she said earlier had stuck with him. Maybe they both needed this moment. He just needs to be sure she sees it for herself, too.]

Just one last thing... neither of us can control the fact that we weren't there when we wanted to be. So if you can forgive me that much-- then I want you to forgive yourself too. Because I know pretty well how hard you can be on yourself. This wasn't your mistake. And I need you with me now as much as ever.

[He squeezes her gently, resting his forehead atop her head.]

So please don't punish yourself any more than you already have.