He chuckled sadly. "Oh, Pep... it wasn't the clock..." Adam held her tightly. She felt a little smaller than he remembered and he felt guilty for it.

"You are my shoe-stealin' witch an' my first mate. You're too important to think I'd get upset just 'cause you threw somethin' at me."

Adam wove his hand into her red hair soothingly, lightly massaging her scalp. "I dunno if you've got time now, but if you do, I'll be glad to explain anythin' I can. It's been awful without you."