[He hesitates, but seeing as Ash hasn't pushed him away, he offers a little more-- an arm around Ash's back, a gentle palm on the opposite shoulder. Steady and warm.]

Your heart is like any other part of your body, Ash—it needs time to heal from its wounds. While scrapes and cuts heal quickly, the violence you endured is more like a bruise that goes down to the bone. The pain... lingers, and it sharpens when you least expect it.

The cure is the same as any other physical injury. Eat well, rest well, spend time outside, and above all... you must be gentle with yourself. Take each day as it comes.

It will get better. I rarely make promises, but this time, I am certain.