“Did you break the law?” “No, sir.” “Did you hurt someone?” “No, sir.” “Did you hurt yourself?” “No, sir.” “Then why are you shaking?” He blurred as my eyes burned. “Because I’m afraid you won’t look me in the eye anymore. That you won’t respect me.” Big Eddie leaned over, so that our faces were only inches from each other. He studied me and I let him. “I will always look you in the eye,” he finally said. “I’ve raised you to be honest and kind. I’ve raised you to be brave and strong. If you can become the man I think you’ll be, then you and me will always be eye to eye. You get me?”
