She wasn't bluffing about him needing to get to the point quick, was she?
"All right. When I tell you this, I want to be clear that I am not trying to excuse myself." Which is never a strong opener, he knows. Fine. Out with it.
"I did not understand at the time that what I did to Max was abusive. It was never my intention to do anything but take care of him as well as I knew how. But, with hindsight and a lot of self reflection, I understand now that I did abuse him. I am deeply ashamed of myself, and I have very much acknowledged and apologized to Max for that."
He lifts his eyes to meet hers and there is utter sincerity reflected in them, "I give you my word that I will never repeat those actions. Not to Max, nor to another person. It will not happen again."
no subject
"All right. When I tell you this, I want to be clear that I am not trying to excuse myself." Which is never a strong opener, he knows. Fine. Out with it.
"I did not understand at the time that what I did to Max was abusive. It was never my intention to do anything but take care of him as well as I knew how. But, with hindsight and a lot of self reflection, I understand now that I did abuse him. I am deeply ashamed of myself, and I have very much acknowledged and apologized to Max for that."
He lifts his eyes to meet hers and there is utter sincerity reflected in them, "I give you my word that I will never repeat those actions. Not to Max, nor to another person. It will not happen again."