I… I notice how you move, how you look at me. It’s protective, I think… but it can be frightening. I don’t always understand it, and I don’t know if I want to… but I also… I don’t want to be alone. I just… try to stay small and still, hoping it’s enough.”

“Please… don’t hurt me. I… I want to stay near you, because somehow it keeps me from the nightmares and the things I can’t face alone. I’ll try to exist quietly… close enough that I’m safe, but careful enough that I don’t upset you.