I reach out
And touch his arm
His shoulders tighten
A barricade against danger
We both know
It won't last
I try to turn him around
But he refuses to face me
He is afraid
But I am not hurt
He closes his eyes
As I walk around him
I hold his face
In my hands
His hands clench into fists
I get him to open his eyes
He is no longer afraid
I am not hurt
That side of him failed
We won