cRosSInG tHE LiNe

“I’m ashamed of my past,” she whispered, “That’s why I keep it secret.”  I tried to keep my breathing even.  I struggled to keep eye contact.  I fought to keep myself from reaching out to hug her.  In my mind I ran through a million things I could say, but I remained mute.  My silence disquieted me.  Suddenly I felt as helpless as she did, maybe more.  For she had found the courage to name her monster.  And I found our mutual friends, Mr. D and Ms. M.

There is that moment in a relationship when an acquaintance crosses the line to become a friend.  There is that moment when you decide the person in front of you is trustworthy enough to reveal your secrets to.  There is that moment when you realize laughter isn’t the only emotion you can share.

She surprised me with the depth of her trust.

...