Selfish? It was anything but selfish to worry and want him to stay alive. Malachi might have always bristled at being cared for in such fashion by someone that should have relied upon him instead, but it did not mean he thought her selfish, or was not grateful for her care.

“Nettie. I’m not going to die,” he promised. “And it isn’t selfish of you. I… appreciate that you care so much for me, and I’ve told you everything that I can. I just have to get through this for myself.”