It's less about not wanting to be touched and more about why.

[ which is a lot harder, she thinks. and she rolls a little closer, puffing out a breath as she readjusts into the pillow. she's starting to feel the pull of sleep, but it feels wrong, to drift off in the middle of the conversation.

instead: ]

I talk a lot about what happened, when I go. But it's not because I want to be able to touch people, it's because . . . I am tired of letting it control me. The feelings.

[ and she reaches out a hand, laying it on the bed, palm up. his for the taking, if he wants it. ]

You could be free, too.