That resonated deep inside me. I was hard, always had been. I had no idea how my sharp edges didn’t constantly bruise Audrey’s tender heart. But maybe that was the reason. She wouldn’t always need me to protect her from being murdered—hopefully that had been a one-time deal—but she would need me to protect her softness. Her sweet nature that made her who she was. I could do that. I could stand in the gap for her. Protect her from the world. Obviously I couldn’t protect her from every hurt that might come her way, but I could do my best to keep her safe—not just her body, but her heart.
