[She smiles, continuing to scratch and massage him as though she's taking care of a particularly large cat instead of a grown man.]

Take all the time you need.

[But then...he says that.

Warmth flutters in her stomach, pride bubbling up and showing on her face. Her eyes.

Shy pride, but pride nonetheless.]

O-Oh...I'm...I'm glad. I was just trying to focus on moving forward; it was hard to think, let alone breathe.

[She pauses a moment, and she can't even believe the words that fall from her lips:]

It was...exhilarating, in its own way. I don't think I've ever felt that alive before. Is that...strange?