A lot.

We walked along the beach, my feet lightly skimming the tide with each step I took.

Feathers. I thought. Feathers everywhere. 

I remembered the old Native American folk tale saying that feathers meant you were on the right path.

With this man? I'm on the right path? My mind was starting to twist in knots. These stinking feathers are everywhere. 

He wasn't far from me as I was overcome with thought.

"You okay?" he said grabbing hold of my hand, gently pulling me from the shallow water beneath my feet. "You seem a little distracted."

I looked at him, the sunlight hitting my eyes just right. Making me pull a face that made him smile and pull me close in his embrace.
"Tell me what is on your mind." he whispered pressing me closer to him gently.

He made my mind go blank when he spoke. He made me feel safe. At home. Yet I was still terrified that this was all a trick.

He pulled me away from himself slightly, looking intensely at me, "Michelle, what's on your mind?"

I looked away quickly, not wanting him to see my thoughts shine through my eyes.

I quickly pulled myself into him and whispered, "A lot."