Try not to associate bodily defect with mental, my good friend, except for a solid reason - Charles Dickens

I had considered how the things that never happen, are often as much realities to us, in their effects, as those that are accomplished.

"If I may ride with you, Citizen Evremonde, will you let me hold your hand? I am not afraid, but I am little and weak, and it will give me more courage." As the patient eyes were lifted to his face, he saw a sudden doubt in them, and then astonishment. He pressed the work-worn, hunger-worn young fingers, and touched his lips.
"Are you dying for him?" she whispered.
"And his wife and child. Hush! Yes."
"Oh, you will let me hold your brave hand, stranger?"
"Hush! Yes, my poor sister; to the last."

We forge the chains we wear in life.