“But you got out?” she said.
“Don’t cry for me, baby. As soon as I could, I was gone. My mum wouldn’t go. She didn’t see anything wrong in what was happening. I know Wayne and Richard had their faults with their parents, but they thought mine were amazing. I never had the heart to tell them how bad it was at home.”
“They don’t know?”
“No. You won’t tell anyone else this?” he asked.
“Of course not.”
“I’m surprised you’ll still let me hold you,” he said.
Opal turned to try to see him. “Why wouldn’t I want you to hold me?”
“Because of what I’m capable of.”
She sat up and turned the light back on.
“You’re not capable of raising your fist to anyone. I know you wouldn’t dream of hurting me. You’ve done nothing but protect me.” She held his face between her hands. “I trust you, Tony.” She kissed his lips before turning the light out and settling back down. The rest of the night he slept in peace.
Opal wondered why he’d never told any of his friends about the treatment he’d gotten as a child. She closed her eyes as sleep claimed her. The love she felt for Tony meant more to her than his fear about being like his father.