dripping like a saturated sunrise

   “When I asked if I could draw you, I didn’t mean that.      Put your shirt back on.” She couldn’t help the laugh     that had escaped her though.

   “It’s not actual fighting. You’ll just end up covered in lots of paint.”

              I THINK THERE’S A FLAW IN MY CODE 

 “Paint ball fighting, silly.” 

  Grace was very understanding and while she was as such, she still    couldn’t handle screaming. It brought back too much and far too many   memories. She noticed the change in him and wanted to reach out but   at the same time was too afraid to. Grace hesitated but she gently    touched his arm. Everything was always gentle with her. She was a    soft person, there was no denying that despite everything that had all   happened that could easily have made her a very hard person. She had   refused to let that win. She refused to let her anger win. It took courage    to remain soft and open in a world so cruel and she took pride in that.      Grace moved her fingers down to take his hand. She looked down at it    and let out a sigh. Her gaze avoiding his long enough for her to calm    down. It wasn’t his fault. She was still trying to get over it and while it    had been many years, loud noises still made her uneasy. Grace then   finally looked at him, “Are you okay?” She questioned far more   concerned with his well being than her own anymore. “It’s okay, just    take a deep breath, okay?” 

   “You should come with me this break.”

   “You’re honestly telling me you’ve never been paintball fighting?”

    “I’ll get it back for you though. I promise.” She wasn’t expecting the hug but Grace leaned into his embrace. Hugs were actually her favorite thing. Hugs that were gentle and caring, comforting, she loved them. She gave him an extra special squeeze, “I know but it’s not fair. I’ll get it back. Honestly.”

    “I’ve never been one to not listen to you or anyone for that       matter so don’t take your frustrations with other people out      on me.” Her voice was soft, she sighed, “I don’t expect any      thing out of you but for you to understand that I don’t like it       when people raise their voices. Is that too much?”

   “Do you really honestly need to raise your voice?      If you would just calm down and listen---” 

     It is iron that fills your heart and sits in your veins.