The additional hand-holding surprises Adia, but only for a moment. She adjusts her grip so Amelia can hold onto her comfortably, but it feels so inadequate, especially as the other woman seems determined to sink to the ground in her despair.

"I know you would have." She has no doubt of that. "But it's not your fault that you didn't. I know it's easy to blame yourself because... because then you'll have a reason for why it happened. But I don't think Steve would want you to blame yourself, or gotten hurt in his place."

She gives both of Amelia's hands a gentle squeeze. "Would you like a hug instead?"