[ Cian's eyes go wide in disbelief at this comment. She'd never even think to call herself brave - even on her good days, even when she doesn't think she's a coward... nothing could be further from her mind. Cian isn't brave. She will never be.
But hearing Keith say this now, across from her at a restaurant table of all things.... Hearing that, Tuan's voice rings in her head clearly like a bell.
"That's amazing, Cian. I could have never been that strong."
How can it be that they both say the same thing and say it so easily? How can these people who she admires so much come to the same conclusion without any effort? What can they see in her that she herself has never perceived? Cian doesn't know. She doesn't know anything at all, but she can feel a heavy knot in her throat and tears burning in her eyes.
It isn't like it was last time. No reflexive fear and self-loathing. Now there is just confusion and scorching hot embarrassment. Cian wishes so much she could be the woman that Keith and Tuan suspect in her. ]
1/2
But hearing Keith say this now, across from her at a restaurant table of all things.... Hearing that, Tuan's voice rings in her head clearly like a bell.
"That's amazing, Cian. I could have never been that strong."
How can it be that they both say the same thing and say it so easily? How can these people who she admires so much come to the same conclusion without any effort? What can they see in her that she herself has never perceived? Cian doesn't know. She doesn't know anything at all, but she can feel a heavy knot in her throat and tears burning in her eyes.
It isn't like it was last time. No reflexive fear and self-loathing. Now there is just confusion and scorching hot embarrassment. Cian wishes so much she could be the woman that Keith and Tuan suspect in her. ]