"Right, because you were holding onto something when that wave hit you. You would have managed just fine hadn't I jumped in after you."

The mere memory settled unpleasantly at the pit of his stomach, making his insides twist violently. It wasn't that he thought her useless or weak, but the chance that he could have lost her in a heartbeat because she could not see just how much she could handle was still too fresh on his mind.

"God, Mary! You nearly drowned! Do you have any idea— any idea of the horror..."

His voice faltered, and he exhaled shakily, turning away from her and covering his face with his hands.