If I can stop one heart from breaking
If I can ease one life the aching
If I can ease one life the aching
He can tell that her mind is returning to her in the wake of her crying, and not in the way he would hope. It's not unexpected, but she is young and has yet to learn how to shield her emotions showing so plainly on her face. In some ways, it's a relief - it makes her easy to read. Being easy to read means he can attend to her needs faster.
Catching how she reflexively reaches for the injury, Harper waits until her hand drops to his and holds tight with clear desperation behind her strength - and then he squeezes back, his own heavily scarred and calloused hand firm around her fingers. He leans in slightly to try and catch her eye. "Hey, you're doing great sweetheart. I'm proud of you." Proud of her for being brave enough to come and show up at his door, aware he could have turned her away. Proud of her for being so open and vulnerable and willing to answer his questions. She is a wonderful girl, and he couldn't have picked a better best friend for Jude - whatever happened, she didn't deserve it.
"You don't have to tell me what happened. Now, later, or ever. But I do need to know - are you currently safe?" Not being chased or otherwise stalked, as he would more than happily take care of that for her - especially if they had the gall to show up at his door.
Catching how she reflexively reaches for the injury, Harper waits until her hand drops to his and holds tight with clear desperation behind her strength - and then he squeezes back, his own heavily scarred and calloused hand firm around her fingers. He leans in slightly to try and catch her eye. "Hey, you're doing great sweetheart. I'm proud of you." Proud of her for being brave enough to come and show up at his door, aware he could have turned her away. Proud of her for being so open and vulnerable and willing to answer his questions. She is a wonderful girl, and he couldn't have picked a better best friend for Jude - whatever happened, she didn't deserve it.
"You don't have to tell me what happened. Now, later, or ever. But I do need to know - are you currently safe?" Not being chased or otherwise stalked, as he would more than happily take care of that for her - especially if they had the gall to show up at his door.
I shall not live in vain
HARPER
