For two hours I'd felt myself stretching tighter and tighter, like a rubber band pulled to the point of snapping. And now, I could feel the smaller, weaker part of myself beginning to fray, tiny bits giving way before the big break.

“I felt like I'd been swimming so hard, and the water growing warmer and warmer …”

“It seemed safer to hold it in, where the only one who could judge was me.”

“Nope.' He sat back. 'Just been there, done that. Done that getting hauled to th…”

“Say what you will, but you’re never prepared for the surprise attack.”