She shakes her head, trying to rid her mind of the disturbing images of her mother's battered body. The fear of potential harm looms—history has taught her that emotions open the door to vulnerability and pain. Her mother's wisdom echoes through her thoughts: feelings have the power to complicate and disrupt. Resolute in her decision, Roxy steels herself, "Andrew, I..."
Andrew's finger lays across her lips, an eruption of fire funnels its way through Roxy's body. Her breath hitches, her chest moves up and down at a slow pace while staring into his imploring eyes. "Whatever is going on in your head right now, whatever fight you are having, let me prove you wrong. Let me be the one to make you see, not everyone is like whoever did this to you. I can make you happy Roxy. Just give me the cha
