Easter

We walk along the beach in the late afternoon, watching the shadow of the sand dunes grow longer. She talks about her dad and his behaviours.

I say, "What he did was inappropriate - there were much better ways he could respond, but I guess he didn't know how."

Later that night in the darkness of our tent, I add, "I like and respect your father. But I won't take any shit from him. I am not scared of him."

I hold her as tight as she sobs. I kiss her face and taste her tears as she says "I had no idea that would affect me so much."

Neither did I.