9
Debbie had seen the flash of pain in Bob’s eyes when she’d realized that all his rigid behaviors weren’t because he loved rules and regulations, but because he needed the protection that the rules gave him. Why hadn’t she noticed it before?
Bob paused mid-step, and it gave Debbie the courage to push on.
“I don’t know who hurt you,” she called after him. “But I’m not that person. And neither is David.”
“You think I don’t know that?” Bob asked, turning to face her. “You think I like being like this?” He gestured from his head to his feet. “I know what people say about me. Heck, sometimes I’m there when they say it.”
Debbie’s heart ached for him and she took a step forward. “There’s nothing wrong with you. You’re just misunderstood.”
“You’re wrong,” Bob said, shaking his head fiercely
