Already winded from efforts, Sterling lay back. Eyes closed as tears set their course steadily down damaged cheek. Thoughts finally grasped additional words... "Yer wife sends love..."
Features screwed up suddenly as aching heart pushed its way to forefront and could not help but make its demands known above the others. Cavalcade of senses, raw nerves protesting, emotions completely unhinged, mind began to whirl as figure beside him blurred and refocused. Eyes struggled, panic evident, only to calm minutely when companion's presence was still confirmed as being not only there but real.
"No... more...."