Elena threw her arms around Ford and hugged him as tightly as she could. She could feel the stiffness in his body at first, as if he wasn't sure how to react. Slowly, with a small shudder, Ford relaxed. His arms moved hesitantly at first, then wrapped fully around her waist, holding her like he never wanted to let go. He buried his face against her chest, seeking comfort in the warmth of her embrace.
"Don't leave me… please," Ford whispered, his voice trembling with emotion.
"I don't know what's wrong, but we can talk it out… please," he begged, still clinging to her.
Elena couldn't speak. Her throat felt tight, her heart too heavy to form any words. So she just held him even closer, running a gentle hand up and down his back. She stayed like that, steady and silent, offering him all the comfort she could without saying a thing.
