I'd like to stay, too. It's a strange thing, isn't it? To care this much. He has held many women, many men, just like this - well, not just like this, generally there were fewer tears - and never has he felt this wrenching, disconcerting sense of contentment. He has never permitted himself to indulge in this much emotion, in this much idiotic fondness. And of all the places to do so, why here - why now - in a war zone, with a girl who is doomed to other things, another life...But he does want to stay. He wants to...ward off the inevitability of this hurt.

"Then let's lay down," he says quietly. "For a bit." And then he takes her hand, and extricates himself to lead her to the bed - chastely, pulling back the blankets so they can snuggle under them. Snatching at a bit of real warmth. "And you should tell me all about your happiest moments." What makes her happiest? Yes - "Tell me about your sister."