She was looking at the sky thinking she should head back to her ship soon when the boy came in. He stood in the doorway for a minute before coming forward.
"Maria." He reached out for a second before pulling back. "I… I want to help you. I don't know who hurt you, but I just wanted to say; I'll protect you. I'll never let anyone hurt you again."
She stared at him for one slow minute, and was suddenly gripped by a mad urge to laugh.
She didn't laugh. She knew too well how much it hurt.
"Thank you Tam," she answered solemnly, "but I really don't need protecting. You don't need to worry about me, please."
He looked almost disappointed, and she did not look away.