She couldn't have said later, how long she cried. It felt like forever that she sobbed helplessly, shivering in the warm circle of Peter's arms, knowing that he'd hold her up.
The tears slowed eventually, tapering to sniffles and sobs, and she loosened her hold to search for the handkerchief Rachel had pressed into her pocket earlier. "I'm sorry," she said softly, turning a bit to wipe her eyes.
She leaned back against him, not quite ready to let go, the handkerchief clutched in the hand at his shoulder. He didn't say anything, but held her tightly again, and she closed her eyes, just letting him.
After what seemed like forever, her breathing calmed, and the icy spikes of grief seemed to have numbed her chest again, and Mandy lifted her head. She slowly let him go, then headed for the stone bench at the edge of the garden, wiping her eyes as she walked. She could hear the soft crunch of his footsteps, telling her he'd followed, and she sat, pulling her skirt warmly around her legs. She was glad the dress had long sleeves, but her legs were chilly.
"Thank you." She looked up at him. "For everything. You've been... Such a good friend, this week. I've been... a mess."