"I'm okay," I reply, the words soft and a little choked, but I manage to keep my chin from trembling more than a handful of seconds. This isn't what I'd expected, not at all. Maybe I should have, but— Well, Major had been a really good guy, too.

"Just a little tingly. Are you okay?" He hadn't answered me before, although I'm definitely not blaming him. That he's exhausted is obvious, but walking and talking are good signs. I can't tell what's beneath the filth, but after everything, maybe he can't either.

"Broken ribs?" I add with a nod to the binding.