Page 140 of The Wright Man

Punch.

"My name is Reed, goddamn it."

That one made me smile. Made me proud.

Then the dam cracked.

"I'm tired of being the one who holds shit together."

Punch.

"I'm tired of being the fixer."

Punch.

"I want somebody to fix me for once!"

Punch. Punch. Punch.

I stepped back, gave her space. Let her fall apart.

She hit harder, screamed louder.

"I had to beg my husband to touch me!"

Punch.

"I wanted my baby!"

Punch.

That one hit me in the chest. Baby?

"Gavin left me to grieve alone!"

Punch.

"I think about her every fucking day!"

Punch.

"I hated my body for failing me!"

Punch.

"I hated Gavin for not being there!"

Punch.

"I fucking hate Gavin!"

She let out one final, broken scream.

"Maleeka!"

And her hands dropped before she collapsed into sobs.

I caught her. Of course I caught her.