Elias' slightly ticklish featherlight touch brought Angie out of her dark thoughts. She stared at him curiously while he continued to silently stare at her hand, which had eased up under his touch.
"I may not have been there for you last time," Elias suddenly spoke, "but I promise to be here for you from now on."
The guilt in his eyes made her sigh and smile helplessly. "Didn't you already promise my mum that? Or was that done with a fickle heart?" Angie teased him.
Elias got flustered. "No! No! I meant it then and I mean it now too. I mean, I mean-"
Angie's soft laughter cut him off. "I know. I know." She sighed and smiled warmly. "Thank you, Elias."
Elias' expression lightened up and he smiled back. "No need to."
They looked at each other in comfortable silence.
"You know… This isn't to put a silver lining on everything, but this made me realise how much I love you." Elias' smile turned somewhat shy.
“...What do you mean…?”