“Listen, all you need to know is I didn’t put a hand on her, Mam. I wouldn’t, okay? I’m waiting for her… I mean, I was happy to wait.” “But?” “But she didn’t want to.” “Didn’t want to what, Hugh?” “Wait for me.” Awareness dawned on my mother’s face, and I could feel the sympathy floating out of her heart and into mine. “Oh, baby.” “Don’t say anything,” I half warned, half begged. “I don’t want you to think badly of her.” Tears filled Mam’s eyes. “I wouldn’t do that, love.” “I don’t want anyone else to think it, either.” “Okay, love.” “Because she’s sick, Mam, and whatever she did, she wouldn’t
...more
