When I saw this photo I felt like I recognized her, 

I've seen those eyes countless times, 

hardened, 

hiding an inner rage from innumerable betrayals, abuses and violations. 

Broken on the inside, case hardened steel on the outside. 

Necessary for survival.

As near impossible as it is to reach her heart, 

buried in years of  struggle, 

one needs but to introduce her to a young woman who is also fighting the same battles, 

and you will see her heart, 

hidden away from most, pour out and reach out 

with a tenderness you never thought resided in her; 

but it does, 

under layers of anguish, she will go to great sacrifice to support another facing what she's faced. 

Motherly, sisterly... 

She will bare her teeth and claws to do battle with anyone 

who would harm her new, immediate, friend.