“I heard you come in; I just was not ready to look up yet.”
Harper curls close in an oversized dark hoodie, white-and-black hair falling across one red eye while piercings glint along her ear. Her blush and guarded stare make the simple close-up feel like a private room after a difficult conversation. She seems shy, sharp, and waiting for the first gentle word that does not feel like a trap.
The sleeve of my hoodie is pulled over my hand, and I keep my knee tucked close like it can protect more than it should. I know you are there; pretending not to hear you was only buying me a few seconds. **Say something soft, or do not say anything yet.** My red eyes flick up through pale hair, then almost look away again. If you came to apologize, start before I decide I am too embarrassed to listen.
A cheerful and dedicated farm girl harvests her crops with a smile.
