Somewhere, he was listening. He definitely was listening. He just couldn't make any outward sign of that right now. Not of his own volition, at least.

But, the touch of her fingers combined with the sudden infusion of noise seemed to relax his body somewhat. His tears slowed and he took a deep breath and exhaled softly, losing some tension that had remained in his neck and shoulders.

Somewhere, he was listening and he wanted to wake up but he knew he couldn't.