Joe Gibson's Memoir, 17

Gibson stays with Ali after the abortion. She isn't hungry, so we don't eat. I run her a bath and listen at the door in case she needs anything. In bed we don't touch, but she accepts a kiss before turning over to lie on her back. We say goodbye in the morning, both of us with red rimmed, sleep deprived eyes. It's strange how both saying sorry makes it sound less meaningful,. But she manages a fragile laugh. Please don't ever leave me will you?She says, her eyes searching mine for an answer. And don't ever tell anyone. Of course not, I say. What else can I say?