Tillie didn't hesitate to wrap her frail arms around Gabe. "I love you too. I'm okay." Even though she was muttering that she was okay, she was trembling. It was rare for Matilda to show weak moments around Gabe, or around anyone, for that matter. She gently pressed her visage into her boyfriend's chest. A few tears quickly turned to sobs as she gripped onto him, mumbling, "I'm suh-sorry.."
He pressed a kiss to her hair, still holding her as if she would slip out of his grip and disappear forever. Hearing her cry and feeling her tremble was almost as bad - no, worse - than seeing her injured. He cradled the back of her head in his hand, breathing in the scent of her hair as he tried to calm himself down. He had to be strong. For her. ”Shhh,” He murmured, feeling as if his heart would shatter, “I’m sorry. It’s okay. I’m sorry.”
"You’re everything to me, Tillie, don’t forget that. I was upset because I’m so damn afraid of losing you, I…" he trailed off, swallowing back a sob of his own, and continued. "if I did, I don’t know what I’d do. I wouldn’t be the same."