[ She struggles with it, the thought of truly, finally explaining - but there are reasons she's kept things to herself for so long, and they still stand now. Shamefaced, she answers, ]
I can't say. I'm sorry. Just know - strength isn't enough to protect you from it. Nothing is.
[ Formidable or not, it makes little difference. ]
Hiding... [ Her hands entangle more completely. ] ... isn't hurting anything. [ Except it puts her at risk, trying to stay away like this. That, however, isn't of much relevance to her. ] But it's the only thing I can do.
no subject
[ She struggles with it, the thought of truly, finally explaining - but there are reasons she's kept things to herself for so long, and they still stand now. Shamefaced, she answers, ]
I can't say. I'm sorry. Just know - strength isn't enough to protect you from it. Nothing is.
[ Formidable or not, it makes little difference. ]
Hiding... [ Her hands entangle more completely. ] ... isn't hurting anything. [ Except it puts her at risk, trying to stay away like this. That, however, isn't of much relevance to her. ] But it's the only thing I can do.