Whenever he felt like giving up, plopping himself down, and dying {which was, like, every ten minutes}, he reached over and took her hand, just to remember there was warmth in the world.
The character in "The House of Hades" experiences overwhelming despair so frequently that it feels almost constant. Despite these feelings of wanting to give up, he finds a sense of solace by holding the hand of another person. This simple act serves as a reminder of the warmth and connection that still exists in his life.
This emotional support is vital for him to cope with his struggles. It highlights the importance of human connection in times of darkness, suggesting that even the smallest gesture can provide significant comfort and strength to face life's challenges.