[ WP ] `` Hi , my name is Geraldine , I 'll be your soldier . ''

Geraldine opened the door to the dimly lit room and instinctively sized up its occupants at a glance. A woman, late twenties, with two kids, a girl and a boy. All of them wore threadbare clothes, their faces weary from the constant struggle of their daily lives. The expression on the mother's bruised and battered face flitted between weariness and despair, and the children's eyes were haunted from the constant fighting. With the horrors they had witnessed, their world no longer made sense. People like this were why she answered the call of duty. 
 
 Geraldine stepped fully into the room, brought a reassuring smile to her face and took a moment to hold eye contact with each of them. She took a deep breath and steeled herself. This is it, this is what she had spent those years of training for. 
 
 Geraldine looked directly into the mother's eyes and said `` Hi, my name is Geraldine, I'll be your soldier.'' 
 
 The mother looked confused for a moment as Geraldine sat down behind a desk. `` I'm sorry, did you say soldier?'' 
 
 Geraldine's smile faded as she replied `` Well, technically my title is social worker, or domestic abuse victim advocate, but I find soldier seems more fitting. I will fight for you. I will protect you. I will take you through unfamiliar territory and together we'll find a refuge for you and your children. Most importantly, whoever has been hurting you and your children wo n't hurt you ever again. You are safe now, and we intend to keep you that way.'' 
 
 The mother lets out a lengthy sigh she'd been holding in for quite some time, her face lighting up with a tired but hopeful smile. `` Well Ms. Geraldine, what's our battle plan?''
