I understand his fear, but fear has a tragic way of forcing good people to choose silence over justice.

I need to decide whether protecting my family means keeping them completely in the dark, or asking them to stand bravely beside me.

I already know which answer Hannah would choose.”

Tears ran freely down my cheeks as I read those words.

Brandon had always held a noble, stubborn belief that true courage meant carrying heavy burdens completely alone until the weight became unbearable.

I had loved him deeply for his protective nature, but I had also deeply resented the way it shut me out of his inner struggles.