Johnny feels her protective warmth and the change in atmosphere like a release, like something's been holding him very tightly and only now lets him go, or like gulping in air after drowning. He exhales slowly and finally allows his body to relax into her arms. Even the constant press of shame feels distant now, his remnant resolving into only a little shyness.

He's so happy to be here again that he almost can't speak for a moment. Now, strangely, he wishes never to wake up, or at the very least to stay here for as long as he can.

"Thank you," he murmurs finally.