Page 76 of Taking Chances

He pumps his fist and digs into the box. Still stunned from their interaction, I watch the little kid trying to find a toy to brighten up his life.

Jesus fuck.I run my hand through my hair. Opening another box, I get back to work. Mason does a quick job sorting through the box before finding something he obviously likes.

“This is just like the one I used to have!” Mason yells in surprise taking out a blue scooter. He opens it up, stepping on it even though there’s no room to ride it.

“That’s great! Consider it yours, then.” Anne taps his shoulder.

“Thanks, Anne. I was so sad when Daddy broke it. My eyes were full of tears, but I held them in because Mommy reminded me Daddy gets angry when I cry. But now I have it again! Can I go show it to my mom?”

“Sure,” I faintly hear Anne say as the happy kids runs out, trailing the scooter behind.

31

ANNE

The color drained from Lennox’s face completely. He’s standing there, staring into nothing like he saw a ghost.

“Are you OK?” I ask carefully, trying not to disturb him further. He doesn’t answer. I grab a bottle of water from a shelf nearby, uncapping it. “Here, have a sip of water.” I put the bottle in his hands, and he collapses into a chair. It’s a miracle he made it to the chair since his eyes are still rooted to the spot.

“What happened… to them?” he barely ruts out, as if it pains him to ask.

I pause for a second, thinking my answer through, but there’s no reason to beat around the bush. “Mason’s father was violent.Isviolent, probably. I don’t know the full story, but his mom got away after he broke Mason’s arm. She traveled halfway across the country to escape him.”

He nods solemnly. “And now? How are they now?”

“You’ve met Mason. He’ll find his way. But his mom is having a hard time. The shelter is currently helping her find a job and a place to stay. She does some work here on the weekends, and Mason usually tags along.”

He doesn’t respond, still staring into distance. I’m not sure what happened, but I’ll give him time to work it through. Grabbing another bottle of water, I drop down into a seat next to him and take a big gulp. The silence isn’t uncomfortable, but after a few minutes, he sighs and starts talking.

“Sorry for freaking you out.” He clears his throat. “The whole thing… this whole place hit a little too close to home.” I don’t interrupt him, putting a hand on his thigh to offer compassion. Emotion clogs his throat, but he keeps speaking. “My father is abusive. It started with words and turned physical over time.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” My heart squeezes in my chest, but my experience at the shelter has taught me it’s better not to be shocked by anything they share.

“I used to beg her for us to leave and go to a place like this.” His eyes dart around the room before he lets out a self-deprecating laugh. “I just wish she did. I just wish she does. Why doesn’t she leave him?”

My heart breaks, hearing his pain. “I’ve spoken to enough survivors to know it’s not so simple. The cycle of abuse is vicious and very hard to break. It goes far beyond the physical and seeps into your very essence, until you don’t know how to separate yourself from the abuser.”

“Trust me, I’ve read plenty of books about it to know everything… in theory. But accepting it is another thing.” His voice drops down. “That’s why I decided to go no contact a few years ago.” He grunts. “Great guy, right? Turned his back on his mother when she needs him most.”

My palm squeezes his thigh, caressing it softly. “I’m certain you did your best to help her.”

“How would you know that?”

“Because I know you.” My voice gets louder to prove my point. “You’ve been nothing but protective of me and I’m basically a stranger. So, there isn’t a doubt in my mind that youdid your fucking best to take care of the woman that gave you life. I also know that it isn’t a decision you can make. Only she can make it.” I inhale a deep breath. “And I get it. It’s the fucking worst. But you have the right to protect your own peace and not get destroyed in the process.” This time, I make sure to keep his gaze. “You did everything you could.”

“You said ‘fucking,’ twice,” he responds, making me huff out a laugh. It’s obvious he doesn’t fully believe my words.

“It was worth it.” I offer a gentle smile. “Sorry for bringing you here. I wouldn’t if I’d known.”

“It’s fine. Pretending it isn’t happening hasn’t done me any favors so far.”

“I also think we’re kind of done here.” I look around, the huge pile of boxes now organized into fitting categories. “So we can head out if you want to.”

“OK. Let’s just finish this.”

Slapping my palms to my thighs, I get up from the chair. He downs the rest of his water before following my lead. I move some final items, he takes apart the last cardboard box, and we exit the storage room.

“Hi, Sam. We sorted through all the donations, and we’re going to head out now.” She’s checking something in her scheduling pad.

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