"I think about getting high every day," she drones, looking out into the distance. "I have gone through some pretty tough positions just to get my next fix."

John nodded, but he didn't quite understand.
"What kind of--"

"I've been a sugar baby," she says, "I've sold my body to pimps who hit me while they're having their way with me."

The older man was in disbelief. He couldn't believe it.

"Everyone in my family hates me."

John patted her hand in a gentle and reassuring manner.

"They don't hate you, they just don't understand."

Neither did he.
But that was the thing about John.

He was willing to understand.