Ezekiel wrapped his arms around Viola and pulled her tightly against his chest. Without saying a word, he rested his chin on top of her head and brushed a soft kiss into her hair. The warmth of his embrace wrapped around her completely.
"I swear," Ezekiel whispered, his voice steady and full of conviction, "I'll never let you go through something like this again."
His arms tightened gently. Just imagining what could have happened made his stomach twist. He thought what Viola had to experience, the fear, the helplessness, the revulsion. He could not even begin to fathom how terrified she must have been.
A heavy silence settled between them.
Then Viola slowly lowered her gaze.
"Ah… if you don't mind, Zeke," she said softly, "would you let me take a shower first before we talk?"
Ezekiel blinked in surprise.
Viola forced a small, weary smile. "I just… want to clean up first."
