He needs to stay strong.

"Time to straighten our backs and face what comes next, alright?"

My confident tone, coupled with my strong grab of his shoulder, jolted him to attention. He was ready to face what came next.

"Ready yourself to face the action out there! Lots of lovie dovies to dodge!" I joked, eliciting a smile from my friend.

"I think I'll hang around here for a while still." He announced, confidence instilled in him.

"Don't be too long!" I warned him, before deciding to turn to leave.