A hint of sadness filled Blake's expression when he whispered hoarsely, "Because I care about you too much to let you suffer alone in ignorance any longer. I know that you hate me because you feel responsible for causing my father's death...and I don't blame you. If I could take back those final moments...or even the previous ten years...I would gladly pay any price or endure any punishment necessary if it would bring my dad back to life." He paused momentarily before adding solemnly, "But it's obvious that you haven't forgiven yourself for killing him...and I suspect that it may be hard to forgive someone who feels nothing at all...especially if they don't even deserve it." Then he gazed at her silently while continuing to stare at the floor, hoping desperately that she might eventually a
