The friction of his palm on my back seems to linger, even by the time we're in Mabe's cabin. And the chill in my bones is already fading as he shucks off his vest, and I'm working on the laces of my trousers. But he flinches, a little twinge in his motion, and a tiny spot of red blooms on the bandages around his wounded wrist.

I cross to his side on automatic, taking his arm in both my hands and turning it over carefully.

"...Lemme help."