"I'm trying, Laur," he confided, voice low. "I'm trying so hard." He just hated to see what would happen should he fail. But as soon as he'd said it, he was pulling back emotionally, putting the walls back up as he shook his head.
"You've got enough to worry about without adding me to the list," he advised. "Shouldn't have to, either." Have him on her miles long list. "And I should let you sleep, not keep you up talking."