It took a lot of time and convincing to coax Malia into my arms and even longer to get her to leave with me. I wasn't frustrated that she wouldn't crawl up to me as soon as I entered the room, she was scared. It was natural for her to stay as far away from people as she can when she was scared and I didn't mind that. A gentle voice and slow, soothing movements and patience were all that were needed in these kinds of situations, and I could handle that. She hung limp in my hold as I carried her, her and and legs dangling loosely. Though, she wasn't tense in my arms, I could tell she wasn't all for it, still wary of close people and physical contact. Her body quivered in my arms as if she were cold, but I knew better. Terrified, is what she was feeling and I felt utterly useless because I ha
