The Pain of Masculinity

She had left Neverland a few years before Mary's death and moved in with her foster parents in the suburbs. S

ions suggested that the couple had overdosed before their fatal car accident. The forensic

ad taken away the two most important people in her life. Her mission was now crystal

d-genuinely. Her presence shook him, and her beauty left him momentarily

fore Troy, flashing a mischievous grin, excused himself. As he left, he

lked down the s

you to Laos

five years now," she said. "I came to this are

st to the gloomy expression she often wore back in Neverla

he asked. "Why are you i

ile faded. His eyes went vacant. A silen

live with my uncle. I'm actually on my way to pick up my sis

interest was piqued by the mention of Anna.

ause, she asked, "How are y

replied a lit

countless times. She understood what it meant to bury pain, to smil

s a heav

xpression had hardened, as if

Society teaches men to hide their pain, to suffer in silence. Bu

n see it, you know-just in the few minutes we've spent together. You're carrying so muc

ds made him feel exposed, li

gth-true masculinity-is being able to express your pain and fa

Maya's words had unraveled something insid

as Anna ran out with her bright little teeth show

ch like Mary," M

ived at the house, Maya stopped at the gate.

rtains of dusk began to fall, Sam noticed

Uncle

sually early-an

n. He reeked of alcohol. Without saying a word, he stumbled toward the bathro

ad ever seen his uncle in t

ly saying, "Listen, boy... something bad happened today.

ed, the

acked, Sam.

w what to say or how to feel. It was as if the