Never Again

Before either of them could think of anything to say, Kris threw herself at him, putting her arms around her neck as she burst into tears again.

At first Gary stiffened.

“Kris, what’s the matter?” He tried to pull her away from him so he could look at her. “Did someone hurt you, baby? Tell me.”

Hearing what he was thinking, Kris stopped and loosened her hold on his neck. She shook her head and looked up into his face.

“I’m ok,” she whispered before more tears fell down her face. “I’m fine, no one hurt me. But I’ve been hurting you and I’m so sorry, honey. I feel awful for everything you’ve been through.”

The tension left his body and he almost smiled. “Geez, Kris, if I didn’t know you so well, I’d be super confused. You can’t be fine and awful at the same time.”

She giggled through her tears. “You know what I mean, Gary. Don’t you?” She kept her eyes on his soft grey ones, needing him to understand.