Time for a New Day

His heart hurt as she flinched, but she didn't move away - which was good. Still, though, he withdrew when he felt that, giving some space. He knew she could just not be pulling away due to fear, and he wasn't going to cause an increase of fear. Nope, nada, not at all. Still, her eyes opening as he spoke after the first pause was progress, and he made sure not to make eye contact, keeping his gaze diverted slightly. He wasn't sure how much of his words were getting through to her, but she hoped many of them were. No one deserved to believe themselves a monster. He smiled gently as she asked her hesitating question. "Yes, I truly do believe that," he answered. It was obvious to him; deeds and personality made a monster... not looks. At her next words though - his head tilted, and he listened closely. He wasn't sure what she did, but clearly she regretted it. "Hey," he said softly, trying to get her attention more on him. "I don't care what you did. Why? Because you clearly regret it. You feel sorrow about it. You look like you wish it hadn't happened... which means even if you did a terrible thing, you still aren't a monster. A monster would be someone who did something terrible and relished in that terrible thing. Like someone who hurt someone innocent, like if you were to try to purposefully kill a puppy... and be happy about it. And do it again. THAT is a monster."