Sadness

I went for a drink with a friend today and he told me his mum has cancer. I've not seen him look so bad. I just wanted to reach out and make everything better for him but obviously I can't. He didn't really want to talk about it and he doesn't like me smothering him with hugs.
I watched him walk away down the street and felt utterly helpless. I really feel for him and it's hard because right now there's just nothing I can do.