She gave a pitiful nod and a small croak that sounded like, "Yes," but didn't immediately pull away from him. She let herself have just a moment more of that contact, even if it wasn't appropriate. But then it was time to remember herself, lest someone walk in and get the wrong impression about her or the priest. She put an arm's length of distance between the two of them and said, "Thank you... Yes... I think I will sleep."

With a sniffle, she looked at him, a droplet of saline still clinging to her lashes like gemstones.