There were moments out there where he'd nearly convinced himself that it would be better to stay. If he could figure out some way not to go, if he could be let walk right back into that world and linger until he was gone? He would. But it's a reminder of a little streak of hungry fire blazing at him that kind of world is static, and this is dynamic.

He readies himself like a man ready to take a bull head on, spreads his arms to wrap her up in that hug and squish her up against him.

"You better have been ornery, don't tell me no differ'nt." He rests his cheek against her hair, just hanging on. This blessed angel left her food to run to him.