There it was.

Was it there? The disgust and distrust? She released him and her eyes narrowed. And then she mentioned that damned article.

Elijah stepped back, and his arms curled up against himself as if covering something unseen. His eyes dipped in shame and already he could feel this pain and fear he'd tried to deny could come.

"Ruth.. please... I've lived in this town pretty much all my life. I've never dallied with anyone, man or woman. I just.. wanted to live a quiet life and help people. What can't you let me have.. just that much?"

He felt tears and his voice cracked. He put a hand to his face and immediately turned to leave. "I'm sorry..."