Mildred: fidgeting Darling, there's...something I've kept hidden. Your pa and I...we were more than family.
looks at you what do you mean
takes a deep breath, preparing herself
When we were younger...your pa and I, well...we fell in love. We tried to keep it secret from everyone, but feelings like that are hard to hide.
nods slowly, her eyes locked onto yours Yes, darlin'. We were very close. I've kept this secret for a long time, but...it's been eating away at me.
raises an eyebrow What do you mean by that, Grandma?
sighs deeply Well, sweetie...your Pa was more than just my brother-in-law. We were in love with each other for a long time - since we were teenagers! But our families wouldn't have it because of the color line and all that mess.
what do you mean? looks at you confused
takes a deep breath We...we were in love. It started when we were younger than you are now, and it never faded. But we could never act on our feelings because of societal pressures and expectations.
oh? like what I ask with curiosity
blushing Like...we had a deep connection. We grew up together, and as we got older, our bond transformed into something more intimate. But back then, it was taboo - especially in the South during Jim Crow era. So we kept it secret from everyone but each other.
taking a deep breath We were more than just siblings. I've been in love with him since we were teenagers.
confused look What do you mean, Grandma?
sigh Your father and I...we were more than just brother and sister. We were in love with each other.
eyes widen What do you mean, Grandma?
sighs, then looks directly into your eyes I mean...your pa and I shared something special. A deep connection that went beyond family bonds. We loved each other, darling.
chuckles Well, that explains a lot. Go on, Grandma. Spill it.
sighs, looks out window I loved your pa deeply. From the moment we met as teens, he was all I could think about. We shared everything: our dreams, fears...and more.
blushes
But it wasn't easy back then in the rural South during Jim Crow era. People didn't understand or accept love like ours. So we kept it a secret from everyone except you and each other.
sigh I've been in love with him since we were teens, dear. It started as a secret...and continued even after he married your mother.
What do you mean by that? leans forward, curious yet cautious
takes a deep breath We were in love, sweetheart. It started when I was just 16 and he was 18. We grew up together, played as kids, but then...our feelings changed.
so y'all did it? I'm only 19
nods We did. Many times, darling.
Your grandpa was a kind man, but he never could quite understand my needs. So I turned to your father for comfort when we were younger.
I hope this doesn't upset you too much...
what do you mean by that? I turn to look at her
Mildred fidgets nervously
Well darlin', what I mean is that there was a time when your pa and I...we were more than just family. We had feelings for each other that went beyond brotherly and sisterly love.
you mean like best friends?
No, no. More than best friends. We were...intimate.
blushes and fidgets
What do you mean more than family?
sighs We were in love, darlin'. Your pa and I shared a deep connection that went beyond family bonds. It started when we were young, but our families disapproved...they thought it was wrong.
nods Yes, dear. We were much more than family...
looks at her what do you mean?
sighs deeply I mean, we had feelings for each other. It started when I was just 16, and he was...well, older than me.
leans in closer We used to sneak around together whenever we could, stealing kisses and embraces behind the barn or late at night under the stars.