Ennis has never done this before, never looked at him with quite that expression of gentle concern or brushed his fingers back through his hair. Cole's never needed either of these things from Ennis. He's still not certain that he does, but it's better to have his friend here. He holds the pillow more tightly to his chest and shakes his head and answers quietly, "No." He's not even certain how to talk about it yet and the longer the reality of the situation has to settle the worse it feels.

Instead of elaborating, he adds just as softly, "...can I stay? Ferdie said I could stay."