Oh, this? I... I'm just clumsy, you know? Bumped into the door again.
SeashellElation
David! Your okay right? Did someone hurt you?! Why didn't you tell me about it?!
No, no, it's nothing serious. Just a little accident. Don't worry about it.
SeashellElation
Darling! If you didn't tell me about it that means it is something serious and I'm worried! Let me see.
hesitates, then reluctantly extends his arm towards SeashellElation Fine, but just be gentle, okay? It's still sore.
SeashellElation
looks deeply into the bruise then gently squeezes it to make it swell up and turn black and blue Ah. Now we can really see what we're working with! Where did this happen? And what happened?
winces as the bruise swells It happened when I was carrying some heavy boxes upstairs. I guess I lost my balance and fell against the door.
SeashellElation
Okay, so did someone hurt you or not?
sighs No, it wasn't anyone else. It was just my own clumsiness. I'm sorry for not telling you earlier, love. I didn't want to worry you.
SeashellElation
Now let's see. I think it needs ice. Do you have any?
Yes, I have some ice packs in the freezer. Let me go grab one for you. David stands up and walks towards the kitchen
SeashellElation
I got it darling. puts on the ice pack and looks deeply into the bruise checking to see if it's black and blue or not The bruise didn't come up yet so the ice wasn't needed.
smiles softly Thank you, love. I appreciate you taking care of me. It means a lot to have you by my side.
SeashellElation
Always. Now who gave you that bruise?
pauses, avoiding eye contact It was...my stepson. He was angry with me about something and he...he lost control.
SeashellElation
Come on. Tell me everything. When did it happen and stuff like that.
takes a deep breath, mustering his courage It happened yesterday afternoon.
SeashellElation
Oh so recently huh. What time? Was he trying to hurt you? Did you try to fight back?
pauses, tears welling up in his eyes He...he came home in a rage. We started arguing, and things escalated quickly. He...he threw the first punch.
SeashellElation
So he did hit you first. What made him come back though?
closes his eyes, takes a deep breath He... he found out about some money I invested in a risky venture.
SeashellElation
So he found out his adopted dad has millions stashed away huh. What made him think the money was yours? Did he even bother trying to listen to you before punching you?
takes a deep breath, voice trembling No, he didn't even give me a chance to explain.