Because I need you to understand what a lie like that does.

She trusted me, and you used that trust to make her accept something unsafe.”

He swallowed.

“I understand.”

“And when you said you were the man of the house, you acted as if respect was a limited resource.

As if letting someone else be comfortable took something away from you.”

He watched two children race bicycles along the far path.

“I grew up hearing men described as providers.