Too many things. David frowned when she said that and hugged her a little bit tighter. "I know." He knew the feeling. "It's okay. You don't always have to be strong." He reached up and slid his thumb along her cheek, scooping up a tear and wiping it away, drying it on his shirt.
"It seems like too many things come at once. It can never be one or two things... they always happen all at the same time." And it was hard to deal with. Especially when, like Ellie, it was hard to identify feelings.
He smiled a little when she leaned her forehead against his and brought his hand up to slide her hair behind her ear. "I'm here for you, okay? You're not dealing with it alone, Elle. I promise." He pulled back and kissed her lightly on the nose, letting his smile grow a little. "None of it."
"You will. I'll make sure of it." He nodded his head when she said she'd be all right, and smoothed his hand up and down her arm. "I'm here for you. Through whatever."
He arched an eyebrow when she paused, having, once again, momentarily forgotten about the journal. But the dark expression on her face was a reminder. He looked at her and tilted his head to the side.