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He shakes his head, “I’m supposed to protect you…”
A Promise of Fire (closed)
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"It's okay to let someone else protect you." She gave him a soft smile. "Let me."
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He shakes his head again.
"Yes. It's okay. Let me protect you." Ariella looked up at him.
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Amyntas bites his lip, silent.
"Close your eyes."
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He whines, shaking his head.
"You can do it. I believe in you." She gently reached up to cup his cheek. "Close your eyes."
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He whimpers, “No…I- I can’t…”
"Why can't you?" She asked. "What's stopping you?"
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He bites his lip, “I’m…scared…”
"Why are you scared? Do you think anyone can get passed me? Because I promise they can't."
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He looks away.
Ariella touched his cheek again softly, turning him to face her. "Trust me."
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He looks at her, biting his lip.
She stroked his cheek softly. "Close your eyes," she whispered.
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He takes a moment, then slowly closes his eyes.
"Good," she said. "Now take deep breaths. Breathe in the fresh air and just listen. Listen to the birds sing and the wind blow. Allow yourself to relax."
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Amyntas takes slow, shaky breaths. No matter how hard he tried, he still couldn’t seem to relax. He stays stuff, and on high alert even with his eyes closed.
Ariella's hand dropped from his cheek back to his hand. She rubbed her thumb over his knuckles. "Just listen. Let your shoulders drop. Let the tension out."
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He whines, “I can’t…I’m trying…”
"It's okay," she said. "Take your time. We'll stay here as long we need to."
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Amyntas squeezes his eyes shut, trying to fight his urge to open them.
"You can do this. Don't rush it."
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Amyntas opens his eyes, “I can’t do this-“
"It's okay," she squeezed his hand. "We can try again later."
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He shudders, looking around.
Ariella gave him a small smile.
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He bites his lip, silent.
"You did good today. I'm proud of you." Ariella gave him a brighter smile. "Do you think you could come to dinner with me and talk with your parents? They would love your company."