This is not a situation in which a lie would work. What do I say?. The situation does not look good at all.

“It depends on what you mean”. I reply to her, keeping my voice as calm as possible.

She grabs my arm with one pale, trembling hand. Her eyes, wide and panicked, bore into mine.

“D..does he t..touch you too?….Does he make you d..do things?”. Her breaths are coming out fast and choppy, she’s spiraling into a panic attack. I recognize those signs.

I recognize them well. ...