Crystal still cried to herself as he spoke. "Yes sir. *hic*" She replied quietly. "I want to get home. I want to help my brother. *hic* But I also understand that you are trying to *hic* protect me best ya can." She slowly turned back toward him, her hand wiping away the tears. "A few scratches, scrapes or cuts are not going to kill me. If that *hic* is what it takes to get the job done, then so be it. How am I going to *hic* learn if everyone keeps trying ta pertect me from those cuts. Ifn I give up at the first fall then I ain't no use ta nobody am I?" Crystal asked him, her sore feet hanging off the bed. "I'm stubborn when it comes ta getten things done. I push myself  to the breaking point because it is required of me." She looked down at her red and swollen feet. "I guess trying to prove that I am not a weakling, is not the way, but I have to try."