I'm perched on the edge of the bed, arms resting on my thighs while Takeru kneels and starts to bandage my hands.

He's being careful and gentle, but also focused. He won't look up at me, and that hurts more than the lingering sting of my hands.

"Take-chan," I begin, softly. Then stop. I'm not sure what to say, I've said everything I feel more times than I can count since his return. I don't know how I'll ever reach him.