Claire let go of Alex's hand and gestured for him to sit up. He did and that was when she hugged him from behind and rested her chin on his shoulder. For some reason rather than comforting him it made the sensation in his chest worse.
That didn't stop him from leaning into her embrace as much as he could and covering her arms with his. How was it that this felt better and worse at the same time? He had never experienced anything like it.
"That's how it is sometimes," she said sympathetically. "I'm sorry you're dealing with that though. I'll hug you for as long as you need it."
Though his confusion only grew, Alex soaked up her affection. He wasn't sure how long he would need it though. With the way he was feeling right now and no way out that he could see, it might be forever.
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