"Quina, what do you notice about these roses in the bush here?"
"... they're red?"
"Haha, yes, dear, but what else?"
"They're very pretty, mama."
"Yes, but they also have thorns. You have to be careful when handling them. Sometimes the prettiest things have had to grow thorns in order to prevent others from ruining them."
"But aren't I pretty, mama?"
"Yes, Quina. And it's ok to grow thorns in order to protect yourself. But there's a difference between shutting yourself away from others and defending yourself from unjust treatment. There's a fine balancing act in being a lady."

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Quina's mom, who I have yet to name, and a little Quina! She was raised by her single mom after her dad left them as a baby.