I took the heavy gold signet ring off the cushion and took his trembling left hand in mine.

“Hold your hand still for me,” I whispered.

I guided the gold ring over his swollen knuckle, pressing it gently down until it rested firmly at the base of his finger.

“We are going to learn how to handle this together, step by step,” I said.

Greg leaned his head back against the sofa cushion and let out a long, quiet breath that shook his shoulders.

I placed my hand gently over Greg’s trembling fingers as we sat together on the familiar living room sofa.