Trifling concerns reeled their way through her mind like old film as she perched herself down at the end of the dock. Her orange boots hovered just above the ocean, casting a contrasting reflection across the surface. Something had been bothering her. And as she attempted to play her own metaphorical therapist, peeling back her doubts layer by layer-- she managed to conclude that the truth of the matter was silly. Am I good enough? It was a thought that used to taunt her far more often in the past. Steven assured her constantly that he valued her friendship and she believed him. He was so unmistakably genuine, so kind. This time, it wasn’t his opinion that she worried about. It was his safety. Connie had worked so hard ( and was still working ) to master the art of swordsmanship to keep herself from becoming a burden. Watching the dark violet sky, dotted with stars, she was reminded of just how vast their universe was. What if, what if. So many different outcomes and possibilities flashed through her mind. Sternly refusing to let these doubts leak through, she pressed her lips tightly together and shook her head once. Steven and the gems... and even me. We can all keep the earth safe.