"Keith," she breathes his name out, because it's not a good start, nor a good continuation, and as he winces her hands squeeze his once more. "You will make it back. There will be no need to apologize to your mother."

A pause, and she then brings her hands up, to cup his face, gazing intently at him even if he can't see her.

"You have my promise that I will not let anything happen to you where you will need me to apologize on your behalf."