[He lets that hang a minute, then. Thinking. Do something else, anything else. Was there anything else to do? Anything else he could've lived with?

There's one thing he's yet to do in this conversation, maybe. Something he forgets often, and always has.]

...I'm sorry. I was scared — not an easy thing for me to admit, I might add.

[He opens his eyes halfway, his expression turning tired and haggard as he lets that off his chest.]

Could you find it in your heart to let me off the hook, just for a little while? I'd very much just like to lie here with you and be relieved we're both alive. Just for a little while. Please.