Stavanger Bay [m] the sparrows drag me down

As much as his actions shamed him, he treasured the feeling of her crying in his arms. He'd been the one to scare her, this time, but he would still be the one to comfort her. He hushed her, murmuring another apology, another reassurance, another sweet, quiet nothing.

It meant everything to hold her again. Perhaps to hold anyone again — but there had always been something special about Marina.

"I will protect you now," he promised, repentant even as he reveled in their closeness. "I'll take care of you. I will keep you safe."

Feel free to fade here if you'd like. I can also keep going if that makes more sense.