( he honestly can't remember the last time he was half so tactile with a dame. he'd kissed anne just before he'd shipped out, but before that they'd barely held hands. somehow he's gone from that to this bein' easy, an' he squeezes her fingers back in reassurance. )

I know. An' I appreciate it.

( it's easy to find solace with her. she's a lee in a storm, an' he closes his eyes briefly an' lets it pass him by. )

Just, you know. Ain't had a cigarette in a spell an' I think it's startin' to wear me down.