If I can stop one heart from breaking
If I can ease one life the aching
If I can ease one life the aching
Whether it was his words or some memory he can't discern, but he can tell that what little foundation she has remaining is crumbling and giving way before his very eyes. The lack of surety is concerning, but Harper can work with it - he will work with it. Whatever he can do to make her feel more comfortable.
"Okay. That's okay - it's a good start. And regardless of what's out there -" here he tilts his chin towards the front door, eyes never leaving her face, "- in here, you are completely safe. I promise you that." He squeezes her hand, the free one coming up to curl around any remaining skin showing to clasp her singular hand between both of his own. "Nobody can hurt you with me around." He keeps it simple for her to digest, because it's a gross understatement of his abilities, but it's clear to Harper that she is feeling very young and vulnerable right now. She needs the comfort of a parent, not a breakdown of skills and achievements.
"How about I go get you that food, huh? Do you like tea?" It's a clever return to the yes and no questions slipped in for her, hoping to get more calories in her than toast and water could provide even if they were liquid nutrients at best.
"Okay. That's okay - it's a good start. And regardless of what's out there -" here he tilts his chin towards the front door, eyes never leaving her face, "- in here, you are completely safe. I promise you that." He squeezes her hand, the free one coming up to curl around any remaining skin showing to clasp her singular hand between both of his own. "Nobody can hurt you with me around." He keeps it simple for her to digest, because it's a gross understatement of his abilities, but it's clear to Harper that she is feeling very young and vulnerable right now. She needs the comfort of a parent, not a breakdown of skills and achievements.
"How about I go get you that food, huh? Do you like tea?" It's a clever return to the yes and no questions slipped in for her, hoping to get more calories in her than toast and water could provide even if they were liquid nutrients at best.
I shall not live in vain
HARPER
