JEROME POV

The dinner carried on in silence after her confession

I listened without interruption, not because I was moved, but because I prefer information delivered in full before forming conclusions.

I cannot say I understand her emotions. I do not process situations through the same lens. But I see cause and effect.

 A poor decision to leave the safety of her friends for the illusion of love. A failure to retreat when the first signs of abuse appeared. And then, years ...