"Go on, then," he tells her, though it's hard enough to let her go. And he's happy to tease her a little, to win as many of her smiles as he can today, on a day when he has no doubt they'll be in short supply.

But if he can offer her a little safety and comfort and happiness – well, one never knows what might do the trick, at balancing out the call.

So he holds onto her just long enough to show he's teasing at not letting her go, then releases her to do as she wishes.