Rachel didn’t offer the young woman any help as she struggled to her feet. It wasn’t due to lack of compassion – she wanted to reach out – but from what she’d been able to read on Sandy so far, it likely wouldn’t be wanted, or accepted. Instead, Rachel watched carefully, prepared in the case that Sandy’s legs not support her. Fortunately, Sandy made it to her feet, standing in front of the sofa, looking unbearably young and innocent.
“Good,” Rachel got to her feet as well and gestured towards the door. “I’ll get you there, but we’ll go at your own pace. I’ll walk at your side, in case you need extra support. Even though you might not want my help, it’s here—should you need it.”
She put her hand gently on Sandy’s back, between her shoulder blades, hoping to give her the support and encouragement necessary to move forward. “And once you’ve gotten some rest, and a couple of real meals, we’ll start discussing your training and your abilities more seriously.”