She takes a step back when he approaches, eyes bright with fear. His voice is ringing in her ears, and before she can think to move he has his hand around her. She gasps, alarmed, but the touch is not meant to hurt.

She looks up into his eyes under a heavily furrowed brow, endeavoring to understand his words. Endeavoring to uncoil the knots in her heart.

"I don't understand."

Her voice is weak and soft, pleading in its tenor.

"You're not... you can't be..."