*We can’t control the things or people external to us, but we can control our own reactions or way of looking at things, so we need never be completely helpless. ― Gyalwa Dokhampa*

![Helpless.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmRLve762p2uAUH2T2zRHXPNDyWqXgNUC6mDEQW2JptGQn/Helpless.jpg) *Security*

Isabel had been shaken by the assault and it ruined our night. Even I was worried before I got through to Jake—I could have easily handled two goons but not four. It was an upsetting experience for both of us really. When we got home I made sure to set the alarm system and check the camera history, but there were no events recorded and the threat seemed limited to that one confrontation. “I know you have the day off tomorrow,” I told Izzie, “but maybe that should be it for working at *The Cactus*. You only intended to go in one more night anyway.” “Absolutely not!” She flared, “I won’t give Granger or Mace Wells the satisfaction of thinking they intimidated me.” “Then, can I come in with you while you work your shift?” “No, I don’t want you to babysit me either. No one’s going to make me back down. I’m just as tough as you.”

I stared at her and had to struggle not to smile. I didn’t want her to think I was patronizing her. In fact, it was quite the contrary—I was proud of her. She was tough and I had to fight the urge to protect her because she didn’t want that—she wanted to be free as I was and she didn’t need to be bubble-wrapped as if she were fragile. But damn it, I was worried about her and felt helpless because of it. But there was no use in telling her that because she’d just say that was my problem, and she’d be right—it was. I’d just have to find some other less intrusive way of helping her. *Yeah, I know—I was hovering over her again, but couldn’t help it.* I finally resolved to ask Jake for advice because I was still trying to navigate caring for someone without suffocating them. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do.

Next day I was still undecided about whether I ought to bug Jake with a domestic problem but he checked in with me, so I just found myself asking his opinion. “It’s a natural instinct, Jase, to want to protect your family, but you need to respect Isabel’s wishes. In view of the situation, she should be cautious and check in with you, but you have to cut her some slack to do what she wants.” I agreed with him although inwardly still felt anxious. I hate vagueness. But I couldn’t expect things to always be cut and dried just the way I liked them.

I intended to take Izzie out to dinner that night as I promised, but she surprised me again with her own suggestion. “How about I cook a nice meal for us and we sit by the fire with wine? I mean the house is beautiful and I couldn’t think of a more romantic setting than the three of us together in our own little love nest.” “Sure Love,” I smiled, “that does sound very romantic.” And just like that Izzie solved the dilemma I had about trying to protect her. We’d stay home, secure within our monitored house, without having to assess the risk of venturing out beyond police protection to an unfamiliar location. She *was* tough and because of that, I didn't have to feel I was always in charge. And the bonus of this, I get days off!

To be continued…
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