Bearclaw Valley I know who I was when I woke up this morning

She was met by a scarred stranger, his singular eye feeling as though it was staring into the depths of her soul and seeing all things she never planned to let anyone see; it chilled her blood. Then came his question, one that confused her childlike brain. The laugh that followed made her heart feel like it was beating in her throat—she swallowed against the feeling, careful never to fully meet his violent gaze.

But something from deep inside swelled in her chest—a feeling she had pulled from in times of trouble while she roamed alone. She stood up a little taller, eyes still focused on the dark paws of the stranger. No, she told him, her voice quiet but steady. I've come to learn.