“What are you smiling at?”

“You of course,” Jack replied.

“This isn’t exactly funny,” she snapped. And started to walk away again still frustrated.

“Hey now,” Jack took her hand “Let me explain.”

Once again he turned her to face him. He put his hand on her cheek to help wipe away the tears.

“When you walked on that bus, I saw this look in your eyes. It wasn’t a pleasant look at all. Just from watching you walk on the bus & hesitantly take your seat, I could tell so many things about you. I could tell that you were holding on to that last piece of hope, & I could tell that one more wrong turn & it could break you entirely. That’s why I held you so tightly just now. I’m not going to sit here & watch you fall to pieces. I’m not going to let you break.”