"I miss my son," he answered softly. "But as things are, there are worse places I could be than here, where I can help."

She seemed so tired, but the cool water, the attention - both seemed to be helping, and that was more than enough reason to continue. He was gentle with what he did, as ever - swabbing her poor, scarred back. Wiping away the sweat of her neck. So many here pulled at his heart and he knew that he would always want to keep check on her. To make sure she would be well.