She was used to solving every problem on her own, like a hedgehog unwilling to show her most vulnerable side. She thought she'd hidden it well, secretly pleased with herself and licking her wounds alone.
As she went through the same workday after workday, she suddenly felt like a cold machine. She was gradually losing her sense of direction, and became filled with anxiety, fear, and confusion about the future.
When others hurt her, she chose to take revenge in the way that would hurt them most. She realized that she had a dark side too, and she was becoming someone she no longer recognized.
She had thought she'd go through life alone. She didn't believe feelings could remain unchanged, so she never dared step into love's cage. Only when she was at her most helpless and lost did she realize that someone had always been waiting behind her. He accepted her contradictions, understood her heart, and stayed by her side as she found her way out of hardship.
It turned out she did believe in love. She just hadn't dared admit she liked him.
