[ For her there's no shame to be found in vulnerability, no weakness in telling hard truths. ...But she understands, that to him it isn't so much the same, that despite his easy exterior his core is nothing so soft or pliable. She's careful her sympathy doesn't waver and slip into pity, out of her respect for him and because she'd never cry over her own misfortunes. (They share that much at least, dry eyes on the horizon and not behind them.)
She waits patiently for him to collect his thoughts, and the silence that stretches out is both the tightrope and the safety net.
He poses a question and she mulls over a response. (Yes, no, maybe...)
No shame in vulnerability, and her fingers curl around his firmly this time. ]
You're my family.
[ ...It's the only promise she can really give him anymore. ]
no subject
She waits patiently for him to collect his thoughts, and the silence that stretches out is both the tightrope and the safety net.
He poses a question and she mulls over a response. (Yes, no, maybe...)
No shame in vulnerability, and her fingers curl around his firmly this time. ]
You're my family.
[ ...It's the only promise she can really give him anymore. ]