It's not something you ever want them to understand. Not really. But...
[her fingers tighten on his, briefly] No one should be alone, either.
[and there it was. That was maybe the biggest difference between them. Because Jilly had always known she wasn't alone in suffering, even if it had taken 17 years for someone to help her find a way out. But Archie? He carried it like it was a sign of weakness. Like the torture he'd suffered was somehow his fault.
...and what else could you believe, if you're the only one you know who had to face it?]
[Deep breath, Jilly.]
I was... I was three when it started. I think. You don't really remember those years clearly, I guess, but it seems right.
[it was never an easy story to tell, but this was easier than telling Jack. Magic aside, she'd been terrified Jack would reject her.
[Action]
It's not something you ever want them to understand. Not really. But...
[her fingers tighten on his, briefly] No one should be alone, either.
[and there it was. That was maybe the biggest difference between them. Because Jilly had always known she wasn't alone in suffering, even if it had taken 17 years for someone to help her find a way out. But Archie? He carried it like it was a sign of weakness. Like the torture he'd suffered was somehow his fault.
...and what else could you believe, if you're the only one you know who had to face it?]
[Deep breath, Jilly.]
I was... I was three when it started. I think. You don't really remember those years clearly, I guess, but it seems right.
[it was never an easy story to tell, but this was easier than telling Jack. Magic aside, she'd been terrified Jack would reject her.
This time, it's just sharing.]