I won't tell anyone, Echo. I promise. Noah tucked a curl behind my ear. It had been so long since someone touched me like he did. Why did it have to be Noah Hutchins? His dark brown eyes shifted to my covered arms. You didn't do that-did you? It was done to you? No one ever asked that question. They stared. They whispered. They laughed. But they never asked.
In this poignant moment from "Pushing the Limits" by Katie McGarry, the protagonist experiences a rare instance of kindness and understanding from Noah. His gentle gesture of tucking a curl behind her ear reflects the emotional connection that has been absent for a long time in her life. This warmth contrasts with the loneliness and fear she feels from others who judge and gossip about her past, making Noah's empathy significant.
Noah's concern for her well-being is evident when he questions whether she caused her scars or if they were inflicted upon her by others. This inquiry reveals a deeper level of care and highlights the importance of being asked about one's struggles, rather than being met with silence or ridicule. Unlike others who merely observe and make assumptions, Noah seeks to understand her pain, creating a moment of vulnerability and connection between them.
