Crimped

She knew that the love between them was there, but it had gone to ground and was hidden in his soul’s waters, barred to her access.

It wasn’t her fault, though she was prevented from mingling with them because he needed to protect his own identity.

Fragility makes a man want to close up and ward off any offers of trustworthy intimacy.

And because she knew this about his “condition,” shr felt bound to stay by his side, rather than leave and abandon him.

She didn’t realize that he was afraid of the strength of her spirit; by the conviction of her advocacy; and by the power of the love that she had for him and tried to show him.

A type of sinister corruption of similar powers had already been directed at him in childhood – and had nearly destroyed him.

The call of her heart and light of her vision were simply greater than he felt comfortable with.

But what he could offer was sardonic, joking, and critical cynicism – which was funny, but did not enhance her confidence in her abilities, nor make her feel loved and supported.

Nor wanted.

Nor cherished.

In fact, it had the inadvertent effect, as if a poison.

And her growth became contorted and convoluted.