"You don't think anybody down there thinks any less of you, d'you?" Adam asked quietly. It had been a collection of demons, gods, occultists, personifications, and not an angel in sight, thank goodness. "They don't care none. They just wanted to be there for you, no matter what." It was really working. By some miracle, it was finally all working...

He knew she'd need to talk it out sometime, but not now. Adam stood and adjusted the covers on the bed to envelop Pepper and keep her warm in her shock and pain. "Tell you what, Pep. Why don't you just go to sleep? You'll feel better. An' I'll sit right here with you the whole time. I won't go anyplace."