"I've had time to think...Marta," saying her name felt odd, "maybe you don't need to avoid the bakery completely." Ezra pulled himself onto the couch next to her and began to play with her fingers. He felt more relaxed inside the comfort of his own home. Nobody to see them or judge him for his actions. He could sit as close or as far away as he wanted to and he could hold her hand for comfort. He hadn't felt safe for a couple days now. Every small sound made him jump, and he felt like he was always being followed by something or someone. Every corner scared him. He wasn't sure if they people who hurt him before would come back finish the job. But with her, he felt calm. During his breakdown it was her that she wanted to hold him and even when his parents came home it was her he wanted to stay by his side. 

"Marta. A pretty name, but I wouldn't expect anything less. At least I have name for the face...I didn't get to introduce myself though. My parents are Abe and Edith, I can't remember if they told you. My mom won't let you walk home. It's already so late you're better calling a car or my dad will walk with you. I can't...I can't go out after it gets dark," Ezra said to her eyes focused on their hands instead of her face. 

He found it difficult to look at her for long periods of time. She had watched him cry and that was a weakness. She would never see him as anything more now. He took his hand from hers and frowned a moment debating whether or not he wanted to take it back. He scooted a little closer to her so that he could feel the heat from her body. He could be close without being pushy, and if she didn't want him there she would let him know. He thought back to earlier and the guilt of having her made her cry washed over him. He was so quick to judge, and yet she was so fast to protect him when he needed someone. He didn't blame her for what happened. It wasn't her fault that his home was turning into dangerous territory without anybody batting an eye. She was just a girl and he was just a boy. Changing the world wasn't their problem. 

Then it hit him. She wasn't just a girl. She was Marta, and she had risked coming back down his street. He had risked himself to lead her to safety. She was more than just a girl.