It’s a protector. Not the good kind. Don’t tell him about the kids that bully you, or the teacher that made you stay after school, or how your father beat you with his belt. When he asks you what you need, just tell him, very politely, you don’t need any help, and make sure you do it convincingly. Because he really wants to help.

I thought of this while listening to “Shadows of Mouldwood” from the “Ori and the Will of the Wisps” soundtrack.