Not because he was breaking.
Because he was allowed to lean.
“Better?” I asked.
“Yes.”
“You always say that.”
“It is usually true.”
I rubbed one hand slowly over his back.
“We should talk about good days.”
He lifted his head.
“What?”
“Yesterday was terrible.”
“Yes.”
“Today wasn’t.”
“No.”
“I keep writing pain levels, medication, memories, triggers.”
“The journal is for recovery.”
“This is recovery.”
He waited.
“Today, I met people who wanted me at their table.”
His expression softened.
“I told Elias what I remembered and the memory didn’t own me.”
“That matters.”
“I promised Theo there would be a next time.”
“That matters too.”
“I knew when I was tired and came home before I collapsed.”
“Very impressive.”
“Do not ruin this.”
His mouth curved.
I continued.
“And I saw you let me take care of you.”
