Vulnerable

The moment Elle turned her back to him and walked away, the dam that had been standing strong all these times finally crumbled, causing her tears to gush forth like a deluge of rain.

It had been a long time since she had cried outside the confines of her dark room. She had long stopped crying where there might be others around who could see her. Because it made her feel even more vulnerable. She had never wanted to appear vulnerable in the eyes of anyone – most especially her father and Brandon Haze. No matter what kind of situation and hurt they put her into, Elle had refused to give in. She refused to give them the satisfaction of seeing her cry. She had always chosen to remain silent than risk crying before them. And she had succeeded every single time.