Starley stared at Raul. Of course, Starley believed him. But she was afraid of reacting like before and hurting Raul's feelings.
"Don't let that pretty head of yours think too hard, cupcake," Raul added.
Starley was still sobbing. Finally, she got up from her seat and slowly approached Raul, then tried to hug him.
When Starley hugged Raul, he gently and carefully returned her embrace. This time, Starley's body did not resist Raul's touch, which relieved her.
Tears were still flowing down Starley's face as she hugged Raul. Then Raul whispered words to her, trying to calm her down.
"I love you, Starley, and nothing in this world can change that," Raul whispered. Starley couldn't believe it. Even after Raul had seen that horrific video, he still said that.
Raul's words made Starley feel so loved. But she couldn't respond; her tears had not stopped flowing. Her body was still trembling. Starley still felt her trauma overwhelming her.
