Ambiguity

He seemed to sense my discomfort, adjusted my clothes, and turned me back toward him. His expression remained stern, as if he was struggling to control his emotions, his jaw muscles pronounced.

"I'm... I'm fine!" I murmured, "Can't you be less domineering? Isn't it annoying?"

"You're naive. Don't you see how desperate they are? And yet you recklessly went back on your own." He was clearly frustrated.

"There has to be a way out. I just consider it a trial by fire! The adult world isn't simple. By exposing his true face, I feel relieved and so does he, in a way. To gain something, you have to pay a price, and he will pay for his actions against me," I spoke calmly, with a serene detachment.

"You're quite understanding, aren't you? Did he hit you gently? I've never heard of someone getting beaten up and still finding excuses for their attacker!"