{"id":22359,"date":"2026-10-25T15:12:43","date_gmt":"2026-10-25T15:12:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/?p=22359"},"modified":"2026-10-25T15:12:43","modified_gmt":"2026-10-25T15:12:43","slug":"fifteen-years-after-my-dad-threw-me-out-i-saw-him-again","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/?p=22359","title":{"rendered":"Fifteen years after my dad threw me out, I saw him again"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1 class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x4gjf66 xdj266r x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 xngnso2 xhacrq1 x1lliihq x1s688f x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"title\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">PART<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">2:<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">THE<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">SECRET<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">MY<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">FATHER<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">NEVER<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">BOTHERED<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">TO<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">DISCOVER<\/span><\/h1>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1kw3rcc x104jwf5 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">unfolded<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">paper<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">slowly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moment,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ballroom<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quiet<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hear<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">faint<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">clink<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ice<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">melting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">glass<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">somewhere<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">behind<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">leaned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chair.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this?\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gerald<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">demanded,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">voice<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">carrying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">across<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nearest<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tables.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cClare,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wedding,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">military<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ceremony.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sister<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">look<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moment,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">found<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">courage<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">neither<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">managed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">children.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">going<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cFifteen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ago,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">began,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cmy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sister<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">left<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">suitcase.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">twenty-two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">old.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">just<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">serve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">country<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">instead<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">working<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">company.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">A<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">few<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">guests<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shifted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seats.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cMy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">making<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">biggest<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mistake<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">come<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">crawling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">realized<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">difficult<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">world<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gerald\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">jaw<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tightened.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cClare,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">warned.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">continued.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Evelyn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">refused<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">change<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mind,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">threw<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">changed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">locks.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">off<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">financially.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rest<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">abandoned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Margaret<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rose<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">halfway<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chair.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThis<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">completely<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">inappropriate.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cNo,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">replied,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turning<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhat\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">inappropriate<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pretending<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doesn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">exist<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fifteen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">calling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">charity<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">case<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">comes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">celebrate<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">daughter\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wedding.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">room<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">erupted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whispers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remained<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seated,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hands<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">folded<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lap.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Part<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stop<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wrong,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">exactly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gerald<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cornered.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">way<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">making<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">regret<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">speaking.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">too.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">childhood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">watching<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">affection<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">silence<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">condition<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">belonging.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Yet<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stood,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wearing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wedding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dress,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">holding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">military<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">document,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">refusing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">look<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">away.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cTonight,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Evelyn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">come<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">here<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">important.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">least<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">person<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forgot<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lifted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">paper.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">voice<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trembled,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">words<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">clear.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cPlease<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">join<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">honoring<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sister,<\/span> <span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1s688f x14rh7hd xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Major<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">General<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Evelyn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ulette,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">United<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">States<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Air<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Force.<\/span><\/span><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">second,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nobody<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moved.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">man<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">near<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">front<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ballroom<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stood.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">older<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gentleman<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">silver-rimmed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">glasses<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dark<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">suit.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">recognized<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">immediately,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">though<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hadn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expected<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">see<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">General<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Thomas<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Whitaker.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">commanding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">officer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">earlier,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">retirement.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">watched<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">difficult<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decisions<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">under<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">circumstances<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">appeared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">official<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photographs.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">once<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">leadership<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">being<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loudest<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">person<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">room.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">being<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">person<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">others<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trust<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">went<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wrong.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">raised<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">glass.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cTo<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Major<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">General<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ulette,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">guest<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stood.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">another.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Within<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seconds,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rising<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">throughout<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ballroom.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Applause<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rolled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">room,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">growing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">louder<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">until<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seemed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shake<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">crystal<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chandeliers<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">overhead.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">couldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hear<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">band<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anymore.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">couldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hear<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whispers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">All<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">see<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">standing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">microphone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tears<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">running<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cheeks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gerald<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">completely<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">His<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wineglass<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hovered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">halfway<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">between<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">table<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">His<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">face<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lost<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">its<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">color.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Major<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">General.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">title<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">imagined<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">attached<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">daughter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">once<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dismissed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">foolish<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">girl<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">playing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">independence.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seeing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stranger<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wearing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">face.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">slowly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stood.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">navy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dress<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">simple,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">medals<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">or<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">insignia.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deliberately<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">come<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sister\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wedding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sister,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">officer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seeking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">recognition.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">learned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">long<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ago<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dignity<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">require<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">uniform.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">raised<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">glass<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThank<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sweetheart.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tears.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">found<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">voice.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThis<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ridiculous.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">applause<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">began<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fade.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gerald<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pushed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chair<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cMajor<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">General?\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">repeated,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">brittle<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">laugh.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expect<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this?<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Evelyn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">left<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nothing.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">barely<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">General<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Whitaker<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">assure<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Mr.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ulette,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">title<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">accurate.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gerald<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">general.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">served<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAnd<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">exactly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">does<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mean?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Whitaker\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expression<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hardened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">slightly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cIt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">means<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">take<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">responsibility<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">other<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">blame.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019ve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">watched<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lead<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">situations<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">most<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pray<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">experience.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">paused.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYour<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">daughter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">has<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">earned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">star<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shoulders.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">silence<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">followed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">different<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Before,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">room<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">waiting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spectacle.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Now,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">waiting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gerald<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decide<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kind<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">man<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">almost<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">laughed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">question<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">funny.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">profoundly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">revealing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Why<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hadn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him?<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Why<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hadn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photographs<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">promotions?<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Why<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hadn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mailed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">copies<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">commendations?<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Why<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hadn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">called<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">entrusted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lives<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hundreds<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people?<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">myself<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">those<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">questions<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">At<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">twenty-three,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">written<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">training<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">assignment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">returned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">unopened.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">At<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">twenty-five,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">card<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">home.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Margaret<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mailed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">note<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">read,<\/span> <span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Please<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">respect<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gerald\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wishes.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">At<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">twenty-eight,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">receiving<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">major<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">promotion,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dialed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">home<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">number<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quiet<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">corridor<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">outside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">office.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answered.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remember<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">exact<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">words<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">used.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cDad,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Evelyn.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">His<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">response<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">come<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finish.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cIf<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hung<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">So<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stopped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">calling.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">punish<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spend<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">entire<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knocking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">door<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decided<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remain<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">closed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">met<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gaze<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">across<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ballroom.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tried<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">once,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">weren\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">interested.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">His<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mouth<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opened,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">closed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stepped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">came<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">holding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">envelope.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThere<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">else,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stomach<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tightened.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">known<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">announcement.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">known<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">honor<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">service.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">idea<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">meant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">now.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cClare,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whispered,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cwhat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doing?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">squeezed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cFinishing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">came<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">here<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">guests.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fifteen,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">watched<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sister<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">leave<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">suitcase.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remember<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">standing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">window,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">crying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">leaving<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">voice<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">broke.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forced<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">choose<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">between<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">being<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">herself<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">being<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">allowed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stay.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">breath.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cFor<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stories<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Evelyn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">abandoned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chosen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">strangers<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">over<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">own<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">directly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gerald.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThen,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">three<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">months<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ago,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">found<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">study.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">face<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">changed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">subtle,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">saw<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">His<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shoulders<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stiffened.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">His<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fingers<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">closed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">around<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">edge<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">table.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cClare,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sharply.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cStop.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">found<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">old<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">addressed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Evelyn.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">returned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sender,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mailed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">room<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">silent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reached<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">envelope<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pulled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">second<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">piece<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">paper.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThis<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">written<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">heart<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seemed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stop.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">died<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nineteen.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">became<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">place<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arguments<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cold<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">silences,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">person<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">soften<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gerald\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anger.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">When<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">join<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Air<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Force,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">person<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">should<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">go.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">good<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">heart,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">once,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">brushing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">strand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hair<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">face.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">must<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">let<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">convince<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kindness<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">means<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">surrendering<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expectations.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">carried<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">those<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">words<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">assignment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">After<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">died,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">became<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">different.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gerald<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stopped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">began<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">telling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">owed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">known<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whether<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">able<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stop<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">throwing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Now<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">telling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">left<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">behind.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">received.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cRead<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">unfolded<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">across<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">few<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lines.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">began<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cry.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spoke,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">words<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">read<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">these:<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dearest<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Evelyn,<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">If<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reading<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hope<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">found<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">courage<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">become<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">woman<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">has<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">must<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">earned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">obedience,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">please<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remember<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this:<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">approval<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">measure<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worth.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pressed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">over<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fifteen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wondered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whether<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">disappointed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fifteen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">carried<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quiet<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">suspicion<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">perhaps<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gerald<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">right\u2014that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">perhaps<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">choosing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">own<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">selfish.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Now,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">standing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beneath<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chandeliers<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sister\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wedding,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">heard<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">voice<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">memory.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">In<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">own<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">handwriting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">continued.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">serve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">service<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">heart<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">calls<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">build<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">belongs<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ever<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asks<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">become<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smaller<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">else<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">important,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">please<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remember<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">born<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">disappear.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tears<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">came<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stop<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">survived<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">describe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dinner<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">table.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grieving<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">families<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">delivered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">news<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">changed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lives<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forever.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decisions<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kept<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">awake<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">long<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">else<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nothing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">prepared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sound<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">words,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">preserved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fifteen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">drawer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">known<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">existed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lowered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThere\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">final<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">paragraph,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAnd<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">think<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needs<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hear<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gerald<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">abruptly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">enough.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">guests<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">longer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deference<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decades<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cultivating.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">They<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">watching<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">just<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">discovered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">daughter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">erased<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">possessed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">history<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">neither<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rewrite<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nor<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">control.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lifted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">read<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">last<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">paragraph.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gerald,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ever<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">read<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">daughter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">does<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">owe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">future<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">exchange<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">raised<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">owner.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">If<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cannot<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">controlling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">must<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">least<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">courage<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">let<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">go.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">though<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">struck<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">evening,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nothing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">say.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worst<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">part<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">next.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cDad,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Evelyn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">abandoned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">care<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chose<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">career<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">over<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shook<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">head.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Mom<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">begged<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">let<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gerald\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">flickered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Margaret.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">realized<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">evening<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">become<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">much<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">more<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">complicated<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">than<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ballroom<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understood.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Margaret<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">longer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiling.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">staring<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">recognized<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">written<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hadn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">read<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">aloud.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hidden<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fifteen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Margaret<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whispered,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cGerald,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">destroyed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">only<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beginning.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1din3vl xkh2ocl x16ye13r xqkn89t x1vvogim   xl8spv7\" data-d-component=\"divider\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<h1 class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x4gjf66 xce2ely xvmwfg3 x1lziwak x15472z4 xngnso2 xhacrq1 x1lliihq x1s688f x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"title\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">PART<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">3:<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">THE<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">TRUTH<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">THAT<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">DESTROYED<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">FIFTEEN<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">YEARS<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">OF<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">LIES<\/span><\/h1>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1kw3rcc x104jwf5 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Nobody<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moved.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Margaret\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">words<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quiet,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">almost<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lost<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beneath<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">low<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hum<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ballroom\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">air<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">conditioning.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">heard<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">So<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gerald<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wife<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expression<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">face<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Fear.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fear<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">losing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fear<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">embarrassment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">look<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">man<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">building<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wall<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">around<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">secret<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">just<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">heard<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">brick<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fall.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">say?\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Margaret<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">swallowed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nothing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">destroyed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cClare,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">upset.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">This<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">has<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">far<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">enough.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cNo,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">replied.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cIt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">far<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">enough.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nearly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reached<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">paper<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cGive<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stepped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">backward.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBecause<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">belongs<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moved.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stepped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">between<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">aggressively,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deliberately.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cNo,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">belongs<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">His<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">locked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">onto<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mine.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moment,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">twenty-two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fifty-something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">standing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">porch<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">where<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grown<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">almost<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wet<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pavement<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">evening.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remembered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">suitcase<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feet,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cold<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">creeping<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shoes,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">disbelief<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">return.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">longer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">young<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">woman<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">waited<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reconsider.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grown<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">woman<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">learned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">some<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doors<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worth<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reopening.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lowered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cEvelyn,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">voice<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">suddenly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">softer,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cwe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">need<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">studied<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">face.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhere<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">prefer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it?<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">In<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">study?<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Behind<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">closed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">door?<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Somewhere<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">else<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afterward?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">His<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expression<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tightened.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">protect<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sister\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wedding.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">glanced<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYour<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">daughter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">invited<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truth<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">room.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">should<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ask<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">why.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lifted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chin.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBecause<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tired<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">being<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afraid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">That<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sentence<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">landed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">harder<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">than<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">any<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">accusation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">considered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">might<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afraid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Perhaps<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hadn\u2019t.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">most<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">obedient<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">daughter.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">learned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smile<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expected<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smile,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">accept<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decisions,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">avoid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">subjects<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dinner<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">uncomfortable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">daughter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">challenged<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">daughter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">survived<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">staying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quiet.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Now<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">standing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">refusing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">either.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cClare,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gerald<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cyou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">husband<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">now.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">future.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">really<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">begin<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">marriage<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">humiliating<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">glanced<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">David,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">new<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">husband.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stepped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">begin<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">marriage<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">David<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThat\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gerald<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">around<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ballroom.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seemed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">searching<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">willing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rescue<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">laugh<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dismiss<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whole<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">misunderstanding.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remind<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">room<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">successful<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">businessman,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">generous<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">host,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">respected<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">man.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nobody<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stepped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forward.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">General<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Whitaker<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remained<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">standing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">near<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">head<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">table.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Richard<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Hail<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">away<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">table<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">staring<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">scotch.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">guests<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">once<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">politely<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gerald\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">statement<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">suddenly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">discovering<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">intense<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">interest<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">plates.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Margaret<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spoke.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cGerald,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">need<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spun<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quiet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">flinched.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">That<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">small<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">movement<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">more<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">than<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dozen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">speeches<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Margaret<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fifteen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">helping<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">maintain<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">story<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">selfish<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">daughter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">abandoned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">now,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seemed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afraid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">story<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cost.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">keep<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">laughed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">once,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">harshly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cDoing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cPretending.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cEvelyn,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">owe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apology.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ready<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">give<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">comfort<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forgiveness<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">simply<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">become<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">uncomfortable<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">consequences<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">own<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">choices.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">continued<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anyway.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">left,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rejected<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">become<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">impossible<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">manage.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">too<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">soft<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dropped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whole<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truth.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whole<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truth,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Margaret<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">drew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trembling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">breath.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYour<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arranged<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Evelyn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">receive<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">separate<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">account.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">saved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">education<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">future.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Evelyn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">freedom<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">choose<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">own<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">career<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worrying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tuition<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">or<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">housing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">known<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">saved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hadn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">known<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">created<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">account<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Margaret<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gerald.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cHe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">account<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">closed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">died.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nothing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">left.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nothing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThree<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">months<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ago,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Margaret<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">continued,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cClare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">found<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">paperwork<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">study.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">account<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">closed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">A<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cold<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feeling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spread<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chest.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cHow<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">much?\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Margaret\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lips<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">parted,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sound<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">came<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gerald<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cIt\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">irrelevant.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cHow<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">much,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">away.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">unfolded<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">small<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">document<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">envelope.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">original<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">amount<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eighty-five<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thousand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dollars,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cMom<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">put<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">aside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Evelyn\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">education.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">statements<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">show<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">transferred<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">business<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">accounts<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Mom<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">died.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">A<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">murmur<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">swept<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">guests.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gerald\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">face<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">darkened.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cIt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cNo,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cIt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Mom\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">intended<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Evelyn.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">managing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">estate!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">why<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">account<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">closed?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">strangely<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">detached<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">conversation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Eighty-five<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thousand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dollars<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">significant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sum.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">At<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">twenty-two,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">paid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">housing,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">education,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">difficult<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">building<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nothing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hurt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">most.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knowledge<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tried<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">give<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">way<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forward\u2014and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">taken<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">choice<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">away<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">even<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">existed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">extra<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shifts,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lived<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cramped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apartments,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stretched<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">paycheck<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">while<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">learning<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">become<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">officer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">borrowed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">books,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">saved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">training,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">other<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">considered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ordinary.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">done<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">all<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">started<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nothing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Now<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">learned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forgotten<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everyone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remembered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">else<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">simply<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decided<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">should<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">take<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money?<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Why<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">let<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">leave<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nothing?<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Why<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">abandoned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">build<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">His<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">face<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hardened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moment<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">saw<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">familiar<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">man<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">return.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBecause<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wouldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">listen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">There<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remorse.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">even<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">denial.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">same<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">justification<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">used<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fifteen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">earlier.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">good<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">here,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">continued.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cA<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">place<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">company.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Security.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">A<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">future.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">threw<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">away<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wear<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">uniform<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pretend<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">changing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">world.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">slowly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">see.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seemed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">surprised<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">calmness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cNo,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">willing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">let<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">glanced<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cShe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stayed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">other<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">choice<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fifteen.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">left<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stayed,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spend<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rest<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">permission<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">myself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gerald\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">jaw<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tightened.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">think<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">better<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">than<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">now<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">title?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cNo.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">directly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eye.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">think<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">different<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">person\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worth<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doesn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">depend<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">much<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">control<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">over<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">genuinely<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wounded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">harm<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">done.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">person<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">once<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dismissed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">longer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afraid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">General<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Whitaker<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">approached<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cEvelyn,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cwould<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moment?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">appreciated<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">question.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">offering<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rescue<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">giving<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">choice.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThank<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sir.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">all<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stepped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wiped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cheeks<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tissue<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">handed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThere\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">more<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thing,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">closed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">briefly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cClare,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">else?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gave<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">little<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smile.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reason<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">found<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">account<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Mom\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">original<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">will.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">left<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remembered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">died.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">folded<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">document<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">envelope.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cShe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">look<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">each<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">other.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">obligated<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">obey<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">each<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">other,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sisters.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">placed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">document<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">table.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cMom\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">will<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">named<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beneficiary<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">account.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">supposed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">part<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">business<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">assets.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gerald\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">face<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">become<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rigid.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThis<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">private<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">matter,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">should<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kept<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">private,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">replied.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">returned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ago.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">contacted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Evelyn.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truth.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">paused.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">paperwork.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">military<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">officer.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">records,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chains<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">responsibility,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">difference<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">between<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">allegation<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">independent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">verification.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">going<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">legal<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">judgment<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">middle<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wedding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ballroom.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">next.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">copies<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">document,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">account<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">statements,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">will,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">any<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">records<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">showing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">where<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">went.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">A<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lawyer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">review<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">scoffed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">threatening<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cNo.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">telling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">going<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">held<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gaze.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">call<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whatever<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moment,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nobody<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spoke.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Richard<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Hail,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">business<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">partner,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cleared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">throat.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cGerald,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">perhaps<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">should<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">discuss<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">privately.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cStay<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Richard\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">face<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reddened.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">already<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">involved.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">passed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">company<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">accounts.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">If<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">records<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">accurate,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">accountants<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">will<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">need<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">examine<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">room<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">went<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quiet<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">once<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">more.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">carefully<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">constructed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">world<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">begun<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shift.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">raised<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">voice.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">threatened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">around<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">questions<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">simply<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">demanding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">silence.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trembling.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reached<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finish<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tonight,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shook<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">head.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYes,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">guests.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">invited<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sister<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stay<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">try<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">unwelcome.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">here<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">see<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">learned.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">voice<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stronger.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cFamily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">isn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">business<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">contract.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">isn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">debt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">use<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">keep<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">obedient.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">isn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">title<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gives<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">person<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">permission<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decide<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deserves<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">head<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">table.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cToday,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">married<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">man<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">build<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">future<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">also<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">honor<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">woman<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">taught<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">even<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">far<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">away,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">person<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">walk<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">painful<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">place<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">become<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">good.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">faced<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cEvelyn,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sorry<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">come<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sooner.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">That<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moment<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cried.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">insult<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">echoed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ballroom.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">read<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">aloud.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">even<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">discovered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">left<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">behind<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cried<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">little<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sister,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">girl<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">watched<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">leave<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bedroom<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">window,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">free<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pulled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arms.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fifteen,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whispered.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">child.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">None<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fault.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">clung<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forgotten<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">held<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tighter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cNever.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fifteen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">imagined<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">return<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">home.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">imagined<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apologies,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">explanations,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">perhaps<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moment<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">look<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">say<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">proud.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">standing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arms,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">realized<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">waiting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wrong<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">need<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gerald<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">admit<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">become<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worth<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loving.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worth<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loving<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ever<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">put<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">uniform.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">promotion.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">person<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">called<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ma\u2019am.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">name.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worth<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loving<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">twenty-two,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">standing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rain<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">suitcase<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">idea<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">where<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sleep<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">night.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">applause<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">began<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">softer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rank.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">scandal.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">courage<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">taken<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">speak.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">perhaps,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">some<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">small<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">way,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sisters<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">found<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">each<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">other<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">unexpected.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stepped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cEvelyn.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">His<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">voice<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quiet<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">enough<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">only<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">those<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nearest<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hear.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turned.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">older<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">than<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hour<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">earlier.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">waited.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">swallowed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">come<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">words<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">simple<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">almost<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">escaped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">come<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">realize<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">military<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">need<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">help.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">call.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">studied<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wondered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whether<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gerald<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fifteen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">waiting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">too.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">waiting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">open<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">door<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">or<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apology.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Waiting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">surrender.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expected<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">independence<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">become<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">temporary<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rebellion,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">outlast.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mistaken<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">silence<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">defeat.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">call,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hung<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">His<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dropped.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">angry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cSo<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">handle<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">slow<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">breath.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">started<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">why<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">serve.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moment<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">saw<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">possibility<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">different<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">conversation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">A<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">conversation<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">should<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fifteen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">earlier.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">words<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">changed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">just<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">better<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">than<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">old<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ache<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">return.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">least<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">part.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gerald<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grown<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">poor.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">built<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">business<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">small<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">office<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">borrowed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">desk.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decades<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">convincing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">himself<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">only<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">protection<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">against<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">humiliation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">children<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">secure.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">somewhere<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">along<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">way,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">confused<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">security<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">obedience.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chose<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">future<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">control,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">treated<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">independence<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">insult.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">safe,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">earn.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">His<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">filled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">slightly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cry.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">away<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">certain.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cCan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">start<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">over?\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">question<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dreamed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hearing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fifteen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">yet,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">came,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">door<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opening.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">door<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">might<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">open<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someday,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">both<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">willing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">work.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">honestly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">His<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">face<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fell.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">give<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tonight.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pretend<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">those<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fifteen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happen.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">accept<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apology<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asks<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forget<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">slowly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">About<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">About<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">final<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wishes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">About<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">young<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">woman<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">waiting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">porch<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">came<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">outside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cFirst,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truth.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">All<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">version<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">designed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">look<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">better.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nothing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cSecond,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">financial<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">records<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reviewed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">properly.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Whatever<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">belongs<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needs<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">handled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lawfully.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAnd<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">third,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">relationship<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">am<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">coming<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">daughter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">only<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">willing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">woman<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">actually<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">am.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">long<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whispered,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">honesty<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hurt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">less<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">than<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">promises<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">think<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">band<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">begun<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">playing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">uncertainly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">more<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">confidence<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wedding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">guests<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">returned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seats.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">evening<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">meant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">celebrate<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">marriage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">longer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kind<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">celebration<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">where<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pretended<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">edges<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">room<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">matter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">David<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cake<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hour<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">later.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">General<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Whitaker<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stayed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">long<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">enough<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">congratulate<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">newlyweds<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">more<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">courage<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">than<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">many<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">officers<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">known.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Richard<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Hail<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">left<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">early,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">saying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">speak<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">accountants.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Margaret<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">alone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">much<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remainder<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">evening,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">staring<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hands.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">approach<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">approach<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">There<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">too<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">many<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">between<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">repair<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">single<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">night.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">threw<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bouquet,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toss<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">crowd.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">walked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">directly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">placed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hands.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cFor<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sister<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">taught<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">leave<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">door<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">open,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">laughed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tears.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">supposed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">throw<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThat\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">works.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cNeither<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">replied.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hugged<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Later,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">music<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quieted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">guests<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">began<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">leaving,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">together<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">outside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">terrace.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">night<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">air<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cool.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ballroom<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">windows,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">see<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chandeliers<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">glowing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">over<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tables<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">where<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">history<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spoken<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">aloud.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rested<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">head<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">against<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cDo<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">think<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he\u2019ll<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">change?\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">considered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">question.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">think<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">might<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">realize<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">has<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThat\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">same<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cNo,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cIt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">isn\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quiet<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">while.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cDo<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hate<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dark<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gardens.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anger<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opposite<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stop<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">being<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">angry<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gerald,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">might<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">somehow<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">return<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">daughter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">threw<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">taught<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">else.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">refuse<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">let<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hurt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">where<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cruelty<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">came<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">accepting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">responsibility<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">heal.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forgive<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someday<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pretending<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">done<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">harmless.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cNo,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answered.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">won\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">let<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decide<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worth<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anymore.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">squeezed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cGood.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">until<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">last<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">song<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ended.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">left,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">appeared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doorway.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">come<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">closer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cEvelyn,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">called<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">softly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turned.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bouquet<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hands,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI\u2019ll<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">send<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">documents<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lawyer,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apology.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">redemption.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fifteen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">offered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">demanding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">give<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">return.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThank<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">disappeared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ballroom.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">watched<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doorway<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sister.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cReady<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">go?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cTogether?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">held<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arm.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cTogether.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">walked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">parking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lot<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beneath<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sky<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">full<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stars.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">since<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">left<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">home,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">though<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">walking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">away<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">though<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">walking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">In<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">months<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">followed,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">documents<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reviewed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">attorneys,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">financial<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">questions<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">handled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">appropriate<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">legal<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">process.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">refused<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">let<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wedding-night<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">confrontation<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">become<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">substitute<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">evidence<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">or<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">accountability.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gerald<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">received<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fifteen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">three<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pages<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">long.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wrote<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">childhood,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fear<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">failure,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">way<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">convinced<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">himself<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">controlling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">children<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">same<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">protecting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">admitted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mistaken<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">independence<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rejection.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apologized<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">throwing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apologized<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">allowing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">others<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">abandoned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">acknowledged<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">taken<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">intended<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">future<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">read<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">twice.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">put<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">drawer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rush<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forgive<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">send<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">long<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">response<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">explaining<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pain.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">simply<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wrote<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">received<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">financial<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">matters<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">continue<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">handled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lawyers,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">willing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">consider<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">conversation<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ready.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">enough<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">then.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Months<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">later,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">invited<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">new<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">home<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dinner.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">There<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">crystal<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chandeliers,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ballroom,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">guests<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rank.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">There<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">small<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dining<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">table,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">slightly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">crooked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bookshelf,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mantel.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">placed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">simple<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wooden<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">frame.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">picture<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wedding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">night.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">In<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wearing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wedding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dress.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">holding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bouquet.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">both<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">crying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">laughing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">same<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Underneath<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">written<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sentence<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter:<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">born<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">disappear.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">long<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reading<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">those<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">words.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">came<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">room<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cups<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tea.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cMom<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">proud<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hope<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">proud<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">think<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">proud<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">both<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">once,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">neither<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">argue.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">simply<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">together,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remembering<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">woman<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tried<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">teach<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">should<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">require<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">abandon<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ourselves.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">relationship<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gerald<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">become<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">perfect.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">There<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">awkward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">phone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">calls,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">difficult<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">conversations,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moments<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">old<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">habits<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">returned.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Sometimes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spoke<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">or<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">experience<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">entitled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decisions<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">around<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">When<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happened,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reminded<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boundaries.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Sometimes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">listened.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Sometimes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">longer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">confused<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">inability<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">change<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">failure<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worthy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">own.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trusted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">work<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mattered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sister<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">longer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whisper<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stopped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">waiting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thrown<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decide<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whether<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deserved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">come<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">home.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">One<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afternoon,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nearly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">year<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wedding,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">received<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">short<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">message<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">found<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">might<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">attached<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">picture<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">standing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">garden,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">outside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">frame.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">long<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">replied:<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Thank<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">see<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forgiveness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">yet.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beginning.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beginnings,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">learned,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">always<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dramatic.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Sometimes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Sometimes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boundary<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">respected<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Sometimes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sister<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reaching<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">across<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">crowded<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">room<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">refusing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">let<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">world<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decide<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deserved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sometimes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">daughter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understanding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">most<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">important<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reclaim<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">name,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">or<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">even<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">approval.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">own<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">peace.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">At<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wedding,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">called<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">charity<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">case.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expected<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lower<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apologize<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">existing,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">leave<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ballroom<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">same<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">way<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">left<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fifteen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">earlier.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Instead,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beneath<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chandeliers<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">while<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sister<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spoke<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">name.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">daughter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">run<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">away.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">girl<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thrown<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">woman<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">become.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1s688f x14rh7hd xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Major<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">General<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Evelyn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ulette.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">entire<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">room<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fifteen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forget:<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">permission<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">become<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worth<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">being<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">proud<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">only<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">courage<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">keep<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">going.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">freedom<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decide,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">last,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kind<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">willing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">call<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">own.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>PART 2: THE SECRET MY FATHER NEVER BOTHERED TO DISCOVER Clare unfolded the paper slowly. For a moment, the ballroom was so quiet that I &hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":21735,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[14,15,13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-22359","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-family","category-inspiration","category-story"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22359","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=22359"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22359\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22360,"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22359\/revisions\/22360"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/21735"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=22359"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=22359"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=22359"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}