Ashley felt him still under her touch. It was though he hadn't realized he was crying in front of her. Then he softened as he heard her apology.

He sniffed. She fished her handkerchief from her purse and handed it to him.

Her knee was beginning to ache from squatting for a long time. She slid to the floor and sat down beside him, still holding the handkerchief out to him.

He accepted it and wiped his nose with the fabric.

“You're not at fault.” His voice was a muffled sound as he spoke under the handkerchief.

“My life was ruined from the beginning… Did you know-”

Ashley swore under...