Pāhonoa te oro

This becomes their pattern. She stays for a week, then runs. He finds her, brings her home. She stays for a month, then runs. He finds her again. Each time, she expects him to give up. Each time, he refuses. He does not shame her. He does not yell. He takes her hands, and says the same words: I am not asking you to change. I am asking you to let me love you until you do.