“Is that why there’s no food?” I asked.
He nodded.
“After rent and bills, I was short this week. I planned to shop on payday.”
“But you can cook.”
“I do sometimes. But whenever I use the groceries, Vanessa says I’m taking food she planned to prepare.”
“Sometimes it’s easier to make toast.”
“Or?” I asked.
After hesitating, he confessed,
“Or skip dinner.”
The thought of him missing meals in the apartment he financed was almost unbearable. I reached for his hand.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
His eyes glistened.
“You were so proud when I moved out.”
“Ethan—”
“I kept telling you everything was great. After a while, I didn’t know how to admit it wasn’t.”
He lowered his gaze.
“I thought you’d say I should’ve known better.”
I held his hand tightly.
“I wish you’d told me sooner. But I’m glad you’re telling me now.”
