Chapter 52: Not Choosing Shirley

Harry could feel the trembling and stiffness of the man beneath his hand as it rested on Patrick's shoulder. He was his closest friend, and at this moment, Harry could empathize with all of Patrick's confusion. "You didn't hurt her. Look, she wouldn't have been here if it weren't for you. You fought for a better life for her, for more opportunities," he said. He knew how to comfort Patrick, how to calm his friend down. He could feel Patrick gradually ceasing to tremble as his pain slowly subsided. "You...