Behooved

by M. Stevenson

-Strength isn’t about what your body can do,- Aric went on. -It’s about how you respond to adversity. And I’ve never known someone so determined to do the right thing, no matter the personal cost.-

“Respectfully, I disagree. Caring means you’re strong. It means you’re brave enough to let yourself feel, even though it puts your heart at risk.”

My hand felt empty without his in it, even though I’d lived that way my whole life.

“I understand you, Bianca. And I love you—including the parts of you that you don’t love yourself. I will love them for you, if you’ll let me.”