But, Ernie decided once the surprise wore off, that it was very nice, and slowly he returned the hug, his free arm moved so that he was very lightly touching at her back.
After all, with the atmosphere being like it was, where everything was so chaotic and so very hard to breathe, one needed to take comfort when and where they could.
And there was no doubting that they both needed some comfort.
After letting the hug go on for a couple of moments, Ernie finally pulled away a bit, looking at Hazel. "Thanks," he said earnestly, with a small smile.