6. The Fear

 

He believed affection came with a price.

That care was a claim.
That closeness demanded repayment.

 

He did not know what to do with a love
that asked for nothing
and yet saw everything.

 

So he built walls.
Closed gates.
Defended himself against a danger that was not there.

 

He mistook recognition for intrusion.
Tenderness for risk.
Connection for consequence.

 

He paused.