After taking a full minute or slightly more to myself, focusing on the rhythmic ebb and flow of my own deep, calming breaths, I was able to regain my center somewhat. My inhales and exhales were steady, and controlled, with no traces of any previous nervousness discernible. I was more grounded, my thoughts more collected, and my resolve hardened. I mentally equipped myself with my inner armor, preparing to face the situation with fortitude and an unshakable, steely determination.
Finally, I pulled myself back from Shane, creating the physical distance that was necessary at the moment, and something that symbolized far more than just a spatial measure. I looked straight into his eyes, challenging, unyielding, my own eyes burning with a fiery stance that spoke volumes more than the words I
