[ Her hand turns, all the better to grasp his with, though she doesn't look back behind her just yet. There's a slow droop to her shoulders, steadily descending, guilt gnawing at her insides. ]

I know you tried to find me. ...I didn't know it at the time, I learned, later. Then..

Wash. Told me your body had been recovered. I found the site you and Tex had been to when.. [her voice trails, then she swallows, regathering her composure] Seemed like once again, I was too late to be there..

And yet, here you are again. [she squeezes his hand lightly] Still here. Still lucky. I guess you relly do have to stop looking in order to find again..

[ Then she lets go, only long enough to turn back the blankets, all the better to settle in on her own side. Only once she's adjusted the pillow does she, slowly, slither down, then cautiously reaches to link fingers with him again. The space between is almost awkward, but there's nothing feigned in the smile she gives him. Small but bright, and so very very glad to have him there. ]

Of all the things I was looking for when I got here...this is the surprise I'm happiest to have had.