we were sinking together , side by side but light-years apart , unable to help each other . then he studied the names on the board . he hated being apart from her so he took her wherever he traveled . `` you nearly jumped out of your skin when i touched you . '' he pushed back against that , too . he dries me off and wraps me in one towel . there was sympathy in his voice . i roll my eyes while pouring a cup of coffee . 