I drew her closer, thoughtless of what she was, my heart yearning to speak words of comfort, yet realizing there was nothing left me to say.

I could almost feel the full intensity of her struggle for self-control, the effort she was making to conquer a desire to give way.

She must have known this, for once she spoke.
"Do not mind me," she said, pausing before the utterance of each word to steady her voice.

"I--I am not going to break down.

It--it is the suddenness--the shock.