He kept things close to the best because he was used to keeping secrets. They had kept him safe. He needed secrets. But maybe he didn't need them with everyone. Not with Daniel. "It's not like he hit me. No more than any other father might." Though Ben's idea of normal was not normal. "I don't want you to get the wrong idea about him. He wasn't abusive. He provided for me and my sister and my mother. He never cheated. He gave money to charity. He did all the things he was supposed to do." Ben worried his bottom lip, feeling uncomfortable. He didn't like discussing his dad, but it felt important to do so. If anyone was going to really KNOW Ben, it should be Daniel. "I don't hate him." But Ben wasn't entirely sure he loved his father either.