I have a thin, but distinctive wall that protects me. I imagine it running over the entire outside of my body, much like the thin coating of chocolate around a Twix bar—familiar and alluring in its chocolate nature, yet hiding something surprising just beyond its façade. My inner structure is not soft and gooey with a burst of flavor at its center. Instead, it is a no-nonsense wafer, a bit less pliable than one might expect, while still providing a pleasant, unexpected crunch. The combination of chocolate and vanilla flavors offers a comforting surprise, which is satisfyingly practical. it’s a bit more cookie than candy, almost, in some odd way, more sustenance than sweet.

That thin chocolate layer and wafer interior serve as a kind of protection. Only people who are not looking for 100% sweetness will be interested. Those people are likely the ones who don’t have the usual taste for soft, squishy candy, but prefer a bit of resistance in their encounters—no easy mouthfuls, no treats quickly swallowed, but rather enjoyed one small bite at a time. They savor each morsel, enjoying the unexpected texture and understanding that this particular candy is not the standard fare.

When those people enter my life, I know I can relax. They are not interested in glossy coatings; they prefer something less flashy with more substance inside.

At that point, I can let down my guard, knowing we will soon be off and running.