[sophie steps a bit to the side as he comes at her, not enough that the punch misses but enough that he can't bowl her over. actually, she steps to the same side as his punching hand, not even making him reach across his body. the purpose of those shadows around her torso becomes clear as they solidify, absorbing a great deal of the impact. her reason for staying in and not simply dodging also becomes clear as she aims to jam her knee into his stomach]