I shake my head and dab at my tears. “I’m sorry. I know I shouldn’t. It’s... I... Just... You’ve had it so rough. All by yourself... It must have been tough.”
Abram gently runs his thumb across my cheek, wiping off the tears.
“It’s strange,” he says with a small smile. “The fact that you’re crying for me makes it feel much better. I couldn’t even shed a tear when my father threw his hardest punch. I can’t remember the last time I cried... I don’t think I know how to.”
I take his hands in mine and squeeze gently.
“I just want you to be happy now. Truly and fully happy. Can you let it go? All of your hurt, can you leave it in the past and live with me...right here, in the present.”
Abram shakes his head and lowers his eyes.
“It’s easier said than done.”
I tug at his hands until he raises his eyes to mine again.
“I know,” I say with a soft smile. “I will be there with you every step of the way. Let’s shed our hurts. Together.”
“Together?” Abram asks uncertainly.
Then, I see it in his eyes.
He’s scared of not being wanted and accepted. So he’d turned his fear into a weapon to block others from getting too close to hurt him. It’s his form of defense, and he’d used it for so long that he’s scared to let it go.
“Yeah,” I say, holding his gaze with mine. “Together. Slowly, but surely.”