He has no idea what kind of strength and grit that takes. I was only a child, alone in a cruel world and instead of crumbling, just like so many kids who walked the same path, I thrived. Clawed some sort of existence, battled through hell and pain to come out the other side. He has no idea what sort of depravity and shit I have endured.

‘’You used to trust people you know? You used to see the good in people and give them a chance.’’ Gino sounds saddened suddenly, and my ears perk up, stifling my sobs. Interest peeking through my anguish and any hints at more about...