Too many people he cares about are dead. He can't lose her. He can't lose her.

His mind goes back to the street corner, to the release of a needle. He considers going out there once she sleeps, to allowing himself just one hit before---before---

Her hand goes down to his waist, and he thinks of how disappointed she would be. How much she's sacrificed, too. He moves his hand up to cup the side of her face.