I sat in shock, listening to them as they described a stranger. The Lawsons urged me to speak to my parents. I argued that I needed time. Except for explaining to them that Quint is devastated, I haven’t shared any details with anyone. I’m not lying, just omitting…mainly because I don’t want anyone’s opinion of Quint to change in any way. My parents would never understand why he’s treating me this way. Injury or not, I’m not sure they would forgive him. It would kill them, especially my father. He’s hurting everyone who loves him. It doesn’t matter, though. I feel completely alone in this hell. The only person I would go to when I’m hurting this badly is the same person hurting me. I can’t wrap my brain around what’s happened to him. I need to believe this is temporary. Once he accepts the change in course his life has suddenly taken, he’ll come back to me. He’ll realize what’s most important is what we shared. With each day, I’m having a harder time convincing myself.
