Rose is right… I heard something whisper in my mind, but all the same I couldn’t help but feel helplessly chained to my previous bleakness. As if it were a ball and chain that I could never free myself of. I sighed, trying to think of words to say, any words at all… but alas, none came. I was then struck by a sudden bolt of worry, hopelessness and fear. I looked desperately into Rose’s eyes, trying to make her see what was inside. The only feeling i could see in her eyes was fear, fear for me.

“Tyler.. what’s wrong? Why are you like this?” she wrapped her arms tightly around me, burying her head in my chest.
I had to dig deep inside of me, for the reason of my sudden fear was not apparent at first. I could feel the expression on my face deepen when I found the reason.

“Rose… I’m afraid of hurting you…”
I was surprised to hear a muffled giggle in my shoulder.
“You couldn’t hurt me… not like this.”
I drew a heavy sigh, holding her close to me.
“But.. what if?”