He makes an unpleasant noise, an attempt at a laugh that is too rueful, bitter, and pained to sound as it should. He wants to remind her that easier is not the same as easy. He wants to point out that hurting is the whole point.

Instead, he says, "You're helping me out. Remember that. You're doing this to get me out."

It's the only balm he can offer to her guilt. Dios knows he's been in the same position.

"Anything you can do has been done. It'll be alright, Vanyita."