"You're doing good," I add, breaking into the litany of counting long enough to add. "Just keep breathing. We're here. We'll do everything we can." I take up the counting again, gently lowering his hands to the bed. I don't let go of him, not yet, just let his hands rest against the bed. I can feel the cats starting to crawl over my boots, their concern and curiosity too strong to keep them under for long.