Billy nodded shakily, making a small gesture with his hand to indicate that he understood.

Remind me to hug you when I'm safe to approach again, he typed out, riding out the last wave of grief for now. Finally it abated, leaving him catching his breath against the pod.

With a friend like Alex, there wasn't a chance that he could choose to give up. Not after this. Once he successfully gained some control over his voice, Billy called out to him.

"It isn't easy, but...I promise. I can't leave you now, not if I can help it."