Family Conflict (3)

At the balcony of Tom's bedroom, Lucy embraced Tom from behind as he silently stared into the night.

She had walked into the bedroom to see him standing out there just like that, and even when she touched him, he did not turn to look at her.

Neither of them said a word. Lucy could tell Tom was upset and didn't want to talk, and Tom could tell that Lucy understood his need for the silence even though her presence was welcome.

"Why aren't you asking me what happened?" Tom asked after some time, when he was sure he was calm enough to speak.

"I suppose I'm more interested in making sure you are fine than in satisfying my curiosity," Lucy said, and Tom sighed as he turned around to face her.

He smiled wearily as he looked into her face which was etched with worry line, "I guess I should have handled things myself instead of dragging you into it. I don't like you being blamed for any of this," Tom said, and Lucy smiled.