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would release a disasterous flood. The damning tide of emotion denied would likely sweep her away. Why me? she wondered, why wouldm it have to be me that he waited for? What could possibly set me apart from the rest? What makes me so different? Suddenly exhausted beyond measure, she collapsed upon the stump of a tree alongside the worn path she'd found herself walking. If anyone coiuld see her clearly, they'd be surprised by the old, wise eyes peering at the world from such a young face. If one could see inside her soul, they'd be taken aback by the pain that lives there, the anger, the sadness; yet compelled to stay perhaps, by the kindness, the compassion waiting to be spent. Would they be horrified by the scars inside that never fully heal? Or would they pity her for the hell she'd been through? Sorting through her thoughts, she tried to come to terms with the realization that this time, the emotions couldn't be locked safely away... Once again, she began to move, more slowly this time, lost in thoght. How was she to handle this new development? How could she repair the breach in the walls? How could she make this all go away? How could she make this less real, less dangerous? Could she dissapear? Would that even help? Or should she try to face it, and risk the depth of the damage it could do? Taking a deep breath, she turned back, toward home, whatever "home" meant... She wouldn't run, she decided, but she wouldn't succumb to this either... she'd fight it... yes, fight it... refuse to let it win... refuse to allow even the possibility of being hurt from entering her life agian... Calmed now, she quickened her pace, and walked, almost jauntily back the way she'd come...
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