The hug was gentle, but it still had the effect of rushing all the breath out of his body. He couldn't lie to her. How could he? But he could just come out and tell her the truth either. A lump rose in his throat as he put his arms around her and held her, his eyes shut tight with emotion as he buried his head in her shoulder. His first hug from his mum that he could remember. He promised himself he would never ever forget it.