We'll all do what we can, Billy answered back, slowly gathering up the strength to talk full-time. You've been wonderful to me, and I'd be honored to spend more days with you.

He leaned up, testing his voice for a moment. "Just...let me know when you're ready. Then I'll follow at a distance, and...maybe we can take turns receiving hugs from a third party?"

It was a ridiculous suggestion and he knew it, but it was all he could think of at the moment.