“You’re just like your father,” she said, smiling. “You two are so strong and stoic, but there are times when your emotion shines through. You let it build up until you can’t hold it in anymore, and, when the levy breaks, it comes in a torrent.”

Tim laughed.

“You’re telling me. I’ve felt this building up for weeks. I…I don’t know what’s wrong with me Mom, and I’m scared. I mean, I think I know but—”

“Calm down,” Susan said, leading him back to his chair and sliding the milk in front of him.

He sipped from the glass automatically, feeling his nerves begin to steady. Susan walked over to the sink, soaked a paper towel in cold water, and handed it to Tim to daub his eyes with.

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