​Long gaze

After Andrew told me about his wife's recent death, I felt my shoulders sag. He was still holding my hands, more for his sake than mine, this time. We stayed like that for a long time. He needed the touch. We were silent. 

When I felt it was okay to speak I said, "Dang," while shaking my head. Then I asked if he had family. 


How did timing play a role in this scene?