Two Truths II

“So, I’m done. It's time to fulfill your part of the bargain.” Olivera said, crossing her legs, ignoring the flash of panic that fleeted past Raul's face just for a bare second at her statement.

She knew that this topic scared him to talk about, made him seem like a fearful small boy, but she wasn’t going to patronize or fawn over him with pity. She knew that he wouldn’t like that. She knew that he would close up faster than he would open up.

There were beats of silence, where Raul stared at the wall without speaking, and Olivera contemplated asking the question again. But she finally chose to be quiet till he was ready to talk. She could wait. They had enough time. But she wouldn’t let him leave her room until he had spoken all that she wanted to hear, even if it included threatening him with her life. Talking about this might help him heal.

She watched painfully as he opened his mouth, and then shut it, pain and sorrow filling up his eyes. She had never seen him like this. With