Everly pouted slightly as tears welled up in her eyes. She rushed over to him, careful not to jostle his wounded stomach. She wrapped her arms around him gently, trembling and sniffling.
Ivan moved slightly, pulling her in closer despite feeling a lot of pain each time he moved his body. He chuckled and caressed her hair like he was holding a baby. "Did you miss me, my dear?"
Everly pulled away just enough to look into his eyes. She sniffed before wiping away her tears. "What kind of question is that even?" Her voice sounded like a mix of laughter and crying. "Of course I missed you." She sniffled again, trying to regain her composure. "I was so worried, Ivan. I thought... I thought I might lose you."
Ivan's smile faded, replaced by a more serious expression. He gently cupped her face with his hand and brushed off her lingering tear with his thumb. "I told you before that you wouldn't lose me, Everly. I promise."
