"I don't think so, her illness was in her head. I'm not sure anything could have been done to help her." Fabian said. He knew he sounded harsh, almost cruel when he spoke about his mother and he didn't mean to be. She had been an innocent, undeserving of her fate but he was so tired of being always judged by her standards. He glanced at Rueben, smiling widely.
"Really? He said that? I wish he'd say the same to me. I do feel I could stand a little more time outside or maybe a few more visits from friends."
He laughed, gripping the wood of the bench to remind himself how silly he had been a moment ago. Rueben was so kind, it was only natural he might react more to that kindness then was intended. "No, never. Uncle trusts you."