And this is why Matthias is good, with the children and in general. Laura did not think to keep an eye on the child until it became clear that Matthias was. In retrospect, it seems obvious. Necessary. But only one of them knows that instinctively.
He is also good for the fact that he does stay for the moment, giving her an easy smile and promising that she might be wrong. I like you. Laura doesn't smile, exactly, but there's something warmer there in her eyes, something softened in her jaw.
"It is possible to obey without respect," she points out, because she knows that fact personally. But she does not argue further, preferring Matthias' idea of what qualifies dislike; if they have not committed petty vandalism of her things, they have not yet made up their minds. And, reviewing the facts now, she realizes--"No. They are afraid of me. They are afraid of my claws."
Which means they are afraid of who she is. Adults are, too, sometimes, but their fear doesn't snag in her mind and stay there. She doesn't know what the difference is.
no subject
He is also good for the fact that he does stay for the moment, giving her an easy smile and promising that she might be wrong. I like you. Laura doesn't smile, exactly, but there's something warmer there in her eyes, something softened in her jaw.
"It is possible to obey without respect," she points out, because she knows that fact personally. But she does not argue further, preferring Matthias' idea of what qualifies dislike; if they have not committed petty vandalism of her things, they have not yet made up their minds. And, reviewing the facts now, she realizes--"No. They are afraid of me. They are afraid of my claws."
Which means they are afraid of who she is. Adults are, too, sometimes, but their fear doesn't snag in her mind and stay there. She doesn't know what the difference is.