#bergen_county

Frank appears nonplussed. "Brekke.... I do not blame you for what you chose, for what has happened. I disagree, I dislike it, but I do not blame you."

She regards him carefully, and a bit dubiously, for all that she knows he speaks the truth.

After a minute, a slow nod. "Thank you."

"Welcome. For what?"

"For being able not to blame me." She looks at him.

He frowns again, but reaches for her hand.

She lets him take it, squeezing carefully. They stand there for a time.

"I suppose I have grown." reluctantly.

"You have. I think we both have." A thoughtful furrow of her brow.

((Pause for Sheepy))