Rafael's POV
She used to be a timid girl who bottled up everything she thought about other kids bullying someone, keeping it locked inside her head.
Then one day, when she saw the bullied kid end up facing injustice instead, blamed and smeared with lies, that bottle nearly burst, and she poured everything out right in front of me.
I heard it anyway. All of it. Soaked.
She had always been like that. Her mind was constantly crowded with doubts, second thoughts, things she questioned but rarely voiced.
And I liked it, liked being the only one who got to hear them, the only one who sometimes helped clear the mess she wished she could handle herself, since twenty years ago.
So now, when she spoke openly about what was in her head and wanted to act on it with that gritty tone, paired with eyes still sharp with panic and fear, I knew she had changed.
And despite how wary I felt about her refusing to rely solely on me, it sent a sharp thrill through me.
