I walk away, though it pains me to do so. My footsteps are steady, but each step feels heavier than the last, and I almost turn around to go back to her.

Something about her draws me in, makes me admire her, but I also find her reactions amusing. She’s strong-willed, as if nothing could ever break her. Yet she’s trembling, barely holding her composure together, even though I frighten her.

There’s fear in her eyes when she turns to confront me, but underneath it, there’s defiance. ...