Seth felt the need to comfort her, and his complete and utter helplessness to do so at the same time. He sat on the bed beside her, wanting to reach out and gather her in his arms, yet instinctually knowing she would reject him. She was not crying, but only staring at the window. Bright afternoon sunlight still spilled in between the curtains in stark contrast to the dark things that had occurred just moments before. Tentatively, he reached for her hand. It was cold and limp as he curled his fingers around it, the skin of her palms was tough from hard work. By small degrees, her fingers tightened around his, until her grip was firm. They remained that way for a long time, Laura curled up on her side, Seth seated beside her.
When she pulled her hand away, he decided to make himself useful.
