“What do you mean by that kitten?” Dan scoots his chair closer, placing his warm hand on my knee. It is comforting and grounding to have him close while I try to explain this to them.
“My father was waiting for me when I got home after our date. We got into an argument, and it didn't end well. "
“What kind of argument would cause your father to strike you?” Dan asks.
“The kind that involves money.” Tyler seems to put all the pieces together without me finishing. Dan is lost, but we can fill him in later.
“I- I'm sorry; he said I have to stay away from you. I said no, but well...” I gesture to my cheek.
“Don't be sorry. It's not your fault. It's mine; I shouldn't have silently challenged him like that." Tyler cups my cheek as I lean into him.
“I didn't want to lie; I was just, I didn
