Paige Rowland has been heartbreaking during Kit's recent ordeal on All My Children. She was particularly moving in scenes this week, when she opened up to Edmund about her rape, came face to face with Ryan, and finally made her official statement to the police.

As one of AMC's newer cast members, Rowland has been thrust into a major story and is clearly making the most of every dramatic moment.

In the Kit / Edmund scenes, Rowland played the wounded bird, so in need of care- taking, and Edmund readily filled that role. Kit's entire body was wrapped in a blanket, her soul wrapped in Edmund's warmth. Rowland skillfully keeps Kit's emotions in check; there is so much more to Kit than meets the eye. Kit did not fall apart in Edmund's arms, yet she allowed him to comfort her. The actress's eyes speak volumes, and she uses that gift with great skill.

Kit's terror when she saw Ryan at Wildwind was chilling. She's there for Thanksgiving and runs into her alleged attacker who just happens to live there. Who wouldn't freak ? When Jackson asked her if Ryan was the man who raped her, her trembling body left no room for doubt as she said, " Yes ".

At the police station, Kit was understandably hesitant, and we saw the subtext in Rowland's face. Kit knew that there would be trouble once she officially declared she had been raped. Not only is Rowland a fine actress, but the character she plays often has to put on an act for the people around her. She plays innocent around Jack and Edmund, but is tough as nails when dealing with Ryan and Tad. Rowland's body language enhances Kit's words; when Kit is defiant, Rowland is defiant from head to toe.

It's to Rowland's (as well as the AMC writers') credit that the viewer doesn't know the whole Kit story, or even the majority of it. Rowland's Kit skillfully walks that line between waif and survivor, fighter and loser.

She also is the perfect kid sister to Walt Willey's Jack, right down to her dainty, dimpled chin.