Upon hearing Claire’s voice, he quickly dragged a sleeve across his face to rid himself of the tears, but his eyes were red and puffy. There was no way for him to hide the fact he had been crying. “What-“ he stopped, as his voice cracked, then cleared his throat and started again. “What do you need, Claire.”
“Just- just forget it. I’ll ask later.”
Her foot pivoted, as if she was about to turn around, but then went back to its previous position. She wouldn’t run from this. She’d be the bigger person.
Claire slowly approached him. She was cautious, eyeing his expression to make sure it wouldn’t change to anger. She didn’t need another beating with a crowbar.
She sat down next to him.
“What’s going on with you?”