Mark trailed off, his face unreadable, and I knew that he had said all that he needed to say. I stood there, shell-shocked, trying to process everything I had just heard. It was a lot to take in, and I couldn't imagine how Mark must have felt all those years ago.

Finally, I spoke. "I understand, man. I really do." And I did. I had just learned so much about my friend in the last few minutes. No wonder he was so guarded around women. No wonder he thought the worst of Anya.

Mark ...