***
Silence reigned for a moment as I collected my thoughts, begging my body not to reveal what my heart had already surmised. My mind hadn't caught up and I was glad it hadn't. I needed all of my senses to get through the night with him so close to me.
"Hey, let me..."
I finally spoke up, gesturing for him to hand me the surgical staple gun. He seemed stunned by initiative, hesitating with it as he stared at me.
"Its fine, manamea. I can do it. You don't have to..."
He began but paused at the sight of the determined glint in my eyes, no doubt. I didn't intend to back down. I wanted to help him. I NEEDED to help him in any way I could. Anything to distract me from the emotions bubbling up within me and the fact that his pain made mine worse.
"I insist. I'm sure it's not easy to do i
