afraid of the dark

"I'm 54 years old and afraid of the dark"

"I'm afraid to sleep alone"

"When we were building this house, and I'd leave at night in the dark by myself, it was terrifying"

"I've never admitted this to anyone else, ever" "Because I am ashamed...."

All statements that came from her yesterday a.m. in the aftermath talk.

To the last one, I said, "Not even to your T??". "No, it's all stuff that goes back to what happened in my childhood and there's nothing to be done about that now...."

I know about much that occurred, but this is a new wrinkle. It breaks my heart. Explains much. But does not excuse the abuse she dishes, nor does it mean I must stay regardless of the damage done to myself if I do so.