You hugged me back, so that just... that helped. Did you know that they sell these things called Thunder-Shirts for dogs, that squeeze them gently and alleviate anxiety? There's also weighted blankets for humans, that essentially do the same thing. The pressure simulates the same sensation you get from a hug. I love one-off inventions like that.

[ She's rambling, too, and scrubs at her face. Partially to get the dust off her cheeks, partially as if she can wipe away all the exhaustion and strain of the past few days. Say this for the Tadfield apocalypse, but at least that one had only taken an afternoon.

When Anathema breathes out, her breath is shakier than usual. She'd held herself together, all stern angles and self-contained professionality, but melting into a simple hug had broken down those edges somewhat. Constantly striving to be the most efficient and put-together person in the room could be so damned draining. ]

You know, you're not what I expected.