So that’s why you were always so mean and hard, I said to Substance. That’s why you hurt Clyde, and Nettie Mae, too. You wanted to make him stronger. You wanted them both to be strong. But you know now, don’t you? You know you treated them rotten all those years. You were afraid for them, Substance—afraid you would lose them both and be left with nothing, no family at all. So you hardened yourself and hoped the fear couldn’t touch you. But once you’ve turned yourself to stone, love can’t reach you, either.
