Elisabeth had to admit – no one affected her like Ezner. He had, without even trying, found a vulnerable place in her heart. She wasn’t sure how it had happened either. Maybe it was because the young woman had felt so helpless, powerless to assist him in his previous situation. Maybe it was because they had met before any of the changes in her life had happened. When she was with Ezner, she was still that frightened girl in a new city that with no friends.  He had seen the truest form of Elisabeth, which was very unlike the version that he saw before him. 

Could he see the difference? Did he sense how different she was?

She knew inside the vast change…and also knew that eventually, she would have to confess things that scared her. How would he react to some of the things she had done?

There was no point worrying about it though. He was there and that was all that mattered right then. As his hand slipped up to her cheek to wipe the tear away, Elisabeth was reminded of their first meeting. With no reason to trust her, he had done the same thing and comforted her. He had lived horrors and yet, Ezner had been there for her. It was then that his eyes found their way to hers and he voice spoke. She didn’t need to hear his words – his eyes told her everything she needed to know. She wanted to say something in return but didn’t quite trust her voice.

 She listened as tried to sort out what she had written. Elisabeth loved the excitement in his voice as he sounded out the letters and figured out the words. He held the letter close to his chest, claiming it to be a gift…which gave Elisabeth an idea. Looking around, she found another sheet of paper and quickly composed a letter. Folding it up, she handed it to him, smiling. [b]“Something for you to work on in your spare time…but don’t read it now. Wait for a moment when you are feeling unsure.”[/b]