A Brief Silence
Annie’s breathing was shallow and she was silent for a while. The tension in the air was heavy and oppressive, and Thad could feel it. At last, her voice could hardly be heard. But Thad was unable to let it go. “Thad, please, let’s just forget about it.” They were becoming more and more separated, and he felt compelled to close the gap and figure out what was dividing them. He wished to support Annie and assist her. After all, they were partners. They were supposed to support one another through both good times and bad. However, it appeared like she was adamant about avoiding him.
A Brief Silence
The Breaking Point
Thad made the decision to act alone the next evening. His patience becoming thin, he went up to Annie again. In a frustrated tone, he continued, “Annie, I can’t keep pretending that everything is okay when it’s clearly not.” Annie glanced at Thad with a mix of fear and shame in her eyes and said, “You’re avoiding my mother’s food, you’re avoiding me, and I don’t know why.” She said, “Please, Thad, I’m trying to keep you safe.”
The Breaking Point
