She tried to force the tears out

But they wouldn't come

As he caressed her wooden face with his wooden fingers

After all of the pain he had dealt her

Every time he was present

She felt comforted,

Emptiness banished,

Despite his sick nature

She hugged her knees

Attempting to avoid his gaze

Even if she did care for him

'Believe me, dear,'

He told her,

'If you had a heart to stab,

I would on your request'

He stroked her short, choppy hair

And forced her face up

A look of such innocence almost hurt him

Almost

--

Original:

She tried to force the tears out

But they wouldn't come

As he caressed her wooden face with his wooden fingers

After all of the pain he had put her through

Every time he was there

She felt comforted,

Despite his sick nature

She hugged her knees

Trying to avoid his gaze

Even if she did care for him

'Believe me, dear,'

He told her,

'If you had a heart to stab,

I would on your request'

He stroked her hair

And forced her face up

A look of such pureness almost hurt him

Almost