But I'd like to stay here if you want me, Joe.

There's no other place where I want to be." He gave her a grateful tired smile.

His hair was a bit dishevelled, and over his blunt kindly face had come a haggard lost expression.

His voice was low: "Thank you, Ethel--you're a brick.

I want you here at first, God knows.
Later I'll try to fix things so that you can feel more free.