He returned a few minutes later, my suitcase dragging behind him as he walked back into the bedroom. I tried to read the expression on his face, but I found it hard to concentrate with the level of pain I was in. "Excedrin." Placing it in my hand, I took a small sip of the tea and swallowed before placing it back on the nightstand.

"Thank you." My response back was quiet, mostly because I didn't know what to do or say next. It was sort of out of the norm for me to be in this frame of mind, I knew it was. It was odd for me to keep all my thoughts to myself, but it was like those thoughts were trapped inside with no cooperation of coming out; even to Henry, the man I fell in love with twenty-four years ago.

"Tell me what I need to do." He offered, one hand resting on the suitcase as he sat back down on the bed next to me. I hesitated at his offer, my body almost stiffened at his response as his eyes met mine. Why? This had been the exact moment I had been dreading from the moment I had stepped onto the airplane. I would always need him, no matter what. It was always him I turned to. Now all I wanted to do was run so he didn't have to see the result of what had happened.

"I'm not dressed. Maybe we could wait to do this." Peering out the door, it was clear I wasn't only afraid of our children walking in. I was afraid he wouldn't like what he saw when I pulled my robe away from my body. I had yet to look in the mirror, myself. I had no desire to look, so why should he?

Before I could protest any further, he got up to lock the door. Either he was going to stand his ground or let it go. This time he was choosing the first option. I wasn't going to get away with it, which made me feel like running while his back was turned and locking the bathroom door so there was a wall between us.

"I know you're scared." What was that about Henry reading me like a book? He was so good at knowing what I needed, even when I didn't. "But I want to let you know I'm not going anywhere. Even if you don't believe it, you did something incredible. I will never stop being amazed at all the things you do, and I will never stop being on your side."

I had? It sure didn't feel like I had done something amazing when you thought of the people who wouldn't be going home to their families. There were supposed to be no casualties. Everyone was supposed to make it out unscathed and walk out of there alive.

"I'm glad you're on my side." I finally spoke with a grateful smile, although I felt like it fell short. I couldn't get past I was the one to blame for everything. Usually, his words made me feel better, but they weren't reaching me. "I just don't know if I'm ready for you to see my battle scars." His expression held no judgment, just love as he squeezed my hand gently.

"What do you need?" His gaze fell back to the suitcase sitting beside him. His voice had softened significantly, less eager than before as if he were trying to be patient with me not needing his help.

"There should be a plastic bag sitting in my suitcase." I relented slightly as he leaned down to unzip my bag. Knowing I couldn't just carry a bag full of supplies in my hand onto the airplane, I had stuffed it in there before taking my seat.

"This?" He gestured to the bag he was holding up. As he did, I began to rethink if I could really do this myself. As much as I didn't want him to see, I could hardly move. He cautiously waited for more explanation, although it took me a few minutes to realize it as I snapped from my thoughts.

"Yeah." I took the bag into hand and placed it in my lap, but made no move to open it. I was still having second thoughts about him helping me. I couldn't get to the point of saying was I was thinking, while I could see the wheels turning in Henry's mind if he should stay or go. "Please, stay." His eyes flickered up to mine as if he were asking me if I was sure. I mustered a small nod, although I was growing frustrated with not being able to make a decision.

"Elizabeth." He motioned to gain my attention by scooting closer to me when I still didn't make a move. I could feel the tears pricking at my eyes as he tried to get me to look at him. "We don't have to do this right now. We don't have to do this if you're not ready." Leaning forward, I dropped my shoulders in relief. He was giving me a way out and I was considering taking it like it was my only option. I knew it wasn't the only one though and it scared me death even vocalizing it. "How about some dinner first?"

"What did you have in mind?" My stomach decided to growl at that exact moment, although I still didn't have much of an appetite. I wasn't feeling so much like throwing up anymore as the Excedrin began to work its magic and cease my pain. However, I was still feeling a lack of wanting anything but sleep at this point.

"I made that potato soup you like." He stated hopefully that I would take the bait. "The one with the chunky potatoes and bacon. Oh, and extra onions for flavor. Lots and lots of onions."

"Okay. I get the picture." My stomach rumbled again as I lightly rested my hand my abdomen in an effort to quiet it. My lack of hunger during the last couple of days had famished me after all. Although I debated if I would be able to keep my eyes open while he went to heat it up. "I would love a bowl."