(Author’s note: The last two weeks have been quite a busy set. A few cases at work really blew up, and the celebration of my dad’s birthday were big. This meant I had to spend more time outside of writing than I did in. But, with things cooling down a bit, I’m back for another week.)

Fortress Around Your Heart

by Miles H. Rost

For many years, Martin had built a defense around himself, constructed of utilitarian thought and his perceptions of the world imposing on him. A defense that would allow him to not be hurt.

Everytime someone got close enough, the walls went into place and he shut them out.

He met Hye Jin, a young widow and a gardener, in the fall. He would do her favors, but if she ever gave him a compliment, he always brushed it aside.

When she finally hugged him from behind, all of the defenses fell in an instant. He finally accepted love and appreciation.