[He was hurt, but he recalled being hurt far more before he had woken up on the beach. It made no sense whatsoever to him, and while his mind crowded with questions about his situation, his primary focus was Jinx. Once she dropped the shell for the time being, he released her wrists so that he could lift his hands to cup her cheeks in his palms.]

It’s okay. You don’t need to save me at present.

[He wanted to assure her that he wasn’t dying, but he wasn’t so certain of that. How could he when his chest hurt like his ribs were broken and every breath and word was stabbing pain through him?]

You have nothing to apologize for, Jinx. Nothing at all. [He rubbed the pads of this thumbs just beneath her eyes lightly.] I’m not going anywhere. However, where is here?