“And the answer, even though you find yourself doubting it, is ‘Nothing.’ Sometimes, babies die, and it happens suddenly. But grieving parents will latch on to any explanation, no matter how far-fetched. They’ll blame the other children, blame the crib manufacturer, blame their pets, anything to keep them from blaming themselves.” Joe looks to Cisco. “You did the right thing by telling them.”
Cisco found himself shaking, his breath caught in his throat and choking. “J-Joe…”
He couldn’t speak. Years of self doubt, torment, emotional abuse all came right to the surface.
“Joe…”
Joe stands up, wrapping his arms around Cisco and pulling him in tight. “Hey. You’ve been through so much, and keeping this bottled up has only hurt you over the years. But whatever’s going on, Cisco, you can always talk to me about it.”













