There was no confusion in his gaze, no disorientation or terrifying blankness, no moment of not recognizing who she was or why she was draped across him in his hospital bed.
Just recognition and warmth and something that looked remarkably like wonder as he looked at her face, as though he was seeing something precious that he had feared might be lost forever.
"I think I can manage that acceptance quite well," he said softly, his hand coming up to cover hers where it still rested against his cheek, his fingers warm and strong despite his weakened state.
"Good morning, Yuxi."
"Good morning," she whispered back, and the ordinariness of the greeting after everything they had been through made her throat tighten with emotion that threatened to spill over into tears.
