He wears a shell of black armour over his chest.
Over his heart.
To self-protect.
Afraid to be hurt.
Afraid to let anyone in.
Not wanting to be wounded...
again.
Not wanting to be vulnerable.
For the last time he was...
it was a disaster.
She tries to hold him close,
putting her arms around
his cold black shell.
He responds only with a hard smile.
And won't let her get closer.
Won't let her touch his heart.
But...
she is determined to love him.
Her love is bold.

Over many days,
many months,
many years.
She continues to love.
Until finally,
the black armour over his heart
begins to dissolve.
Slowly, magically,
dents appear,
then cracks,
then holes.
Pieces break off,
at first only small.
And then...
larger and larger do they fall.
Away from his heart.
Until at last...
exposed and vulnerable,
he lets love in.
And learns how to love her.
In return.