Mat stared at him, eyes glinting in the light from the cabin windows. “I… I guess I’ll go check on the girls.”

 

“Okay. I… did you need something?”

 

“No. I mean, I heard you. I think. I was just checking.” Mat took a step toward him.

 

“I—” He leaned forward, the pain in his ankle sharp enough to make him wince.

 

“Here. Let me help you back inside, no? I didn’t mean to scare you.” Mat grabbed him and hoisted him right up.

 

“Oh.” He dropped his phone, the earphones popping out. “You Save Me” was playing. “God.”

 

Mat’s sharp intake of breath made time stand still, and they stood there, clutching each other, for endless moments.