[that...was a very real possibility. One that does indeed make her reassess the option of enlisting outside help.

It's the need in his voice that convinces her, though, causing her to sink back in her chair. For a moment, she'll look almost as tired as he does.]

So don't leave, but let me bring a cot in for you. In here. With him.

[Another time, the unexpected familiarity would have brought a smile or a laugh and more than a little teasing. Now it doesn't even register. They're both too invested to notice much else.]

You can't afford to miss him waking up, but he can't afford to find you half-dead, either. He's going to want to know you're okay.

[a beat] Even if that's a lie.