Valeria's POV
"No, baby," I rushed out, pulling him close again. "No, I didn't do anything wrong. Some people don't understand what happened and they believe lies that other people tell for money. But that doesn't make those lies true. I promise you I have never done anything to hurt anyone on purpose."
"I know," he mumbled, crying into my shoulder. "I know you didn't. But why are people being so mean? Why would they say those things?"
"Because sometimes people are cruel," I returned softly, my own tears falling freely now. "Sometimes people would rather believe the worst about others instead of taking the time to learn the truth. And sometimes people hurt others because they're hurting inside."
"It's not fair," Elliot sobbed.
"No, it's not fair. You're absolutely right about that."
