She took several rapid steps toward me before halting herself. It wasn't because she thought I might smash Molly's window. Her movement was instinctive, and proof of her compassion. She wished to end the torment she glimpsed and moved to act upon that intent.
But she halted, in care of me.
Because she knew me who had done so much to reveal nothing to her. Hint, yes at times when the boundaries were not only reached but chafed and scoured me raw, then in desperation I might have hinted with vivid and elusive images prone to multiple interpretations; they were my chameleon coat, but giving nothing clearly, firmly.
"It's not nothing."

My jaws locked. My eyes locked onto one knobby branch fervently as though it could define my course. All of me stood locked in unsustainable tension.
Adonie took another step.
"Tell me."
Her voice touched me then like a gentle stroke of fingers down my spine.
I could whirl on her and end it or begin.
I didn't know which it would be.
I didn't know which I desired or if I sought only a change, or an ending.
Something. Please something.