"Don't worry," the response came almost automatically. "I wasn't planning on running off anywhere."
Although as realization appeared in Arla's eyes, David almost wished that he could. Usually, it was remarkably easy to avoid thinking about himself, bury his issues under other people's problems and this issue in particular was one he hadn't even known existed. Arla had been so firmly set in his head as a friend, it hadn't occurred to him to begin the process of doubting and second guessing - seven years was a long time, but - until he was close enough to do any number of things.
He blinked, startling himself out of his head, and set a hand on Arla's shoulder. It probably didn't matter whether or not he knew who the comfort was for.