[His hands were so large, compared to hers. So warm.

Yet, in spite of that, she could still feel the faint tremble in them. Her thumbs rub gentle, soft circles over the jut of his . cheekbones. Her voice remained softer and sweeter than she usually allowed it to be in public.]

I can bear anything—strife, loneliness, pain—anything at all, save for the unnecessary suffering of those dear to me.