"Not being here. Kind of a selfish thing, really. Just... hate not being able to help you." He poked her gently. "You're one of the most awesome people I know, and one of my oldest friends, along with Maryanne and Sophia. I trust you more than most people I have ever known, and I hate to see you sad."
He held out a hand and the ground trembled then, lightly. "Sometimes, I think that so much has happened when i was gone that i can never do anything about, and all I want to do is help." Then, with a final hesitation, he hugged her, gently.