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interrupting, he said, "There's nothing wrong if I want to help you," in a tone that was calm and controlled in contrast to mine. Yes, I am aware that you may not require my assistance and that you are a strong person, but what's wrong with it if I get to feel satisfied knowing that you are safe and sound?" "I don't get it, Aaron...why would you want to keep me safe?" "Besides, I don't want the help that comes out of sympathy, I am better on my own," he said, leaving me completely perplexed and unable to even comprehend what he was saying. "And I have already told you, sympathy is not why I wish to help you," he replied. "There are many reasons behind why I want to help you and keep you safe and sympathy is not one of them." Tell me what they are, then. Why do you feel the need to suddenly stand up for me and seem like the world's nicest person?" "Trust me, I am not the kindest person on the earth nor do I have the intention to act like one," His voice trailed down a few octaves, "I don't even want to repent of the fair share of sins that hang over my shoulder. However, not all desires have to have a clear cause; some arise spontaneously and have no known rationale." "You don't even know why you want to help me; you don't have an explanation or a response, and you claim it's not sympathy. I don't even know what the fuck are you even saying! Are you really this confused? Are you attempting to manipulate my thoughts with these bizarre word games?!" I cracked up. He appeared to be in the same situation as me, based on the rapid shift in his countenance from calm to frustrated. I had completely lost all patience. "I know exactly what I want. I understand why I'm putting you before my work and neglecting my fucking responsibilities; I understand why keeping you safe is my top priority and why nothing else matters to me than preventing Alexander's enemies from taking advantage of you and destroying anything that comes close to him." My eyes widened significantly as he stood up and slapped his hand down on the table. "And I fucking know what would give me relief," he said. Every cell in my body is aware of it. And at this point, all that matters to me is that you be safe and sound and not suffer the same consequences that your child did as a result of the actions of others." He had no idea, but with his final words, he deepened every wound I had been attempting to repair by stabbing me in the heart with a knife. In the span of a single second, he flawlessly demolished the steadiness that it has taken me all these days to find, with an effort akin to a single finger click. By itself, a trembling breath came out of my mouth. I would rather forget it. I don't want to experience it once more. Tears tried desperately to get into my eyes, but I wouldn't let them win. I cannot become feeble. No, I won't give up easily. Aaron's gaze softened as realisation sank in. The first thing that clouded his face was guilt. "Anna, I...." "Thanks," Giving him a smile that made me lose all remaining strength, I got up and gathered my belongings before saying, "Thanks for reminding me that.....my life could get taken away, just like my child's." "I apologise. I apologise for saying it. "Aaron, own up to your fucking words. "Don't behave like a bloody coward," I spat. The