"Lydia, what's the matter with you? You are crying..." I started crying, and Mario gently patted my shoulders to calm me. Upon re-opening my eyes and listening to my own voice, it became clear that I was not only weeping, but that I was physically bursting out of my tears as if my garments were ready to get completely soaked as a result of it!

As I brushed away my own tears, I pondered what I had done to deserve this. Despite the fact that Mario was still seated in front of me, keeping my wrists together, I was able to see my tears streaming down my hand. When I...